The carol Jul, jul strälande jul (Christmas, Christmas, radiant Christmas) was written for SATB by Gustaf Nordqvist, with Swedish words by Edvard Evers (1853-1919). It was first recorded in 1924 by Strandvargs kvartett and has since become one of the most popular Christmas carols in Sweden. The lyrics for this English edition, Saviour, prize of the world, were written by Roger Lowman (b. 1938) in 1989 for Barry Rose’s St Alban’s Cathedral choir, who recorded it in 1995 (see below).
Saviour, prize of the world,
Bringer of grace to sinners.
Those who believe and will follow your way
Know that to give is to gain all they may:
Teach us to scatter your wealth abroad,
Gather the weak and the poor to our board.
Saviour, prize of the world,
Bringer of grace to sinners.
Jesus, Light of the world,
Sleeping in manger lowly;
Helpless you lie as the night gathers in,
Dark is the world that you rescue from sin:
Homeless one, enter our hearts as guest,
Bringing salvation to greatest and least.
Jesus, Light of the world,
Sleeping in manger lowly.
This version (with the English words included in this edition) has been recorded by the choir of the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban, Hertfordshire, England on an album entitled Over the Rainbow (1995), directed by Barry Rose.
- Listen here on Spotify (link opens in new window): http://tiny.cc/jca2vz
- or on YouTube: https://youtu.be/88WtW52jjgg
Another English version is entitled Wonderful Peace, with words by American Norman Luboff (1917-87), © Norman Luboff Music. Neither of the English versions are literal translations of the original, poignant Swedish lyrics, which depict a glorious Christmas with timeless traditions and songs, white, snow-filled forests and a wish that Christmas brings the blessings of light and peace, an escape from the turmoil of war and the joy of new birth.
The German words in this edition are a more literal translation of the Swedish original; the author wishes to remain anonymous. Another German version, with words by Uta Helmbold-Rollik (© UHR-Verlag, Kaarst), has also been published © 1983 Abr. Lundqvist AB Musikförlag, Danderyd, Sweden.
Saviour, prize of the world - Jul, jul, strålande jul
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3 pages (6 inc. covers).
