Adapted from the folk song, Levy Dew
A New Year Carol
Edward Benjamin Britten was born in the English county of Sussex and studied at the Royal College of Music in London. He was a renowned composer, conductor, and pianist. Benjamin Britten is best known for his work on the operas Peter Grimes, The War Requiem, and The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.
A gathering of new life brought into song
Levy Dew
In 1934, Benjamin Britten composed a musical piece for the New Year. His song, “A New Year Carol”, was set to the lyrics of an older traditional folk song – Levy Dew. Levy-Dew was associated with the New Year’s Day custom of sprinkling people with water newly drawn from a well.
Levy-Dew is a traditional Welsh song that celebrates the first day of spring and the gathering of new life. The name “Levy-Dew” comes from the Welsh words “llef y dydd,” which means “the call of the day.” People used to sing it while collecting dew from the grass early in the morning, which they believed had special powers to keep you healthy and beautiful. The song is joyful and full of energy, just like spring itself, and it’s part of how Welsh people used music to mark the changing seasons and connect with the natural world around them.
A New Year Carol Lyrics
English
Here we bring new water
From the well so clear,
For to worship God with,
This Happy New Year.
Chorus:
Sing levy dew, sing levy dew,
The water and the wine,
With seven bright gold wires,
And bugles that do shine.
Sing reign of fair maid,
With gold upon her toe,
Open you the West Door
And turn the Old Year go.
(Repeat Chorus)
Sing reign of fair maid,
With gold upon her chin,
Open you the East Door
And let the New Year in.
(Repeat Chorus)
A New Year Carol Resources
Levy-Dew is a joyful and uplifting traditional song that welcomes the coming of spring and the beauty of the natural world. It reflects the Welsh customs of greeting new seasons with music and celebration. The song carries a sense of wonder and connection to the land, reminding us of the rhythms of nature and the joyful traditions passed down through the years.
Resources related to A New Year Carol
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