The Palms (Let the palms wave / People and tongues ) - Jean-Baptiste Fauré

This is a hymn for Palm Sunday

It was originally written in French as "Les rameaux" and published in 1864 by French art collector, operatic baritone and composer Jean-Baptiste Fauré (1830–1914) - who should not be confused with French composer, organist, pianist and teacher Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) composer of a world-famous Requiem and other works.

An early English translation "Palm-Branches" was published by Oliver Ditson Co., Boston in "Gems of English Song" 1875. A number of other English translations have been made, and it has proved surprisingly difficult to identify the translators. One version is sometimes credited to Harrison Millard (1830-1895) - but other sources say he was simply an arranger.

Sheet music in various forms is available form IMSP and from Amazon.

With meter 10.9.10.9 with refrain, the text is almost always set to the tune which Fauré wrote - which doesn't appear to have a name.



Downloads




Examples

Soloist and choir with piano:


Lead singer and choir with orchestra:


Cantor and choir, with organ:


Instrumental - organ. This video is particularly good for learning the tune.


Instrumental - piano, flute and cello trio:


Lyrics

Early translation

(Possibly by by Theodore H Baker)

1 O'er all the way green palms and blossoms gay
Are strewn this day in festive preparation,
Where Jesus comes, to wipe our tears away,
E'en now the throng to welcome Him prepare.

Chorus:
Join all and sing His name declare,
Let ev'ry voice resound with acclamation,
Hosanna! Praised be the Lord!
Bless Him, who cometh to bring us salvation!

2 His word goes forth, and people by its might
Once more their freedom gain from degradation,
Humanity doth give to each his right,
While those in darkness find restored the light.

3 Sing and rejoice, O blest Jerusalem,
Of all thy sons sing the emancipation,
Thro’ boundless love, the Christ of Bethlehem
Brings faith the hope to thee forevermore.


Modernised translation

Let the palms wave on this most happy day!
Greetings they bear to us of joy and gladness.
Jesus is come to take all grief away,
He comes to banish gloom and sadness.

Chorus:
People and tongues shall chant His praise;
Tune every voice, His name be gladly singing.
Hosanna! Glory to God!
Glory to Him who comes bringing salvation.

2 His gentle voice pervades the mighty throng.
’Tis He who freedom gives o’er land and sea;
’Tis He who gives in darkest night a song,
Gives light, O Lord, that we may come to Thee!

3 Rejoice, rejoice, Jerusalem the holy!
Loud let thy joyous notes in praise ascending.
Laud Him, the Child of Bethlehem the lowly,
All hearts aflame, in song all voices blending.

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