Nowell sing we now
​for SATB Choir and Organ

Nowell sing we now is a setting of a traditional English text from the 15th century. The text survives on the Trinity Carol Roll, a scroll that contains texts and melodies of numerous Christmas carols, some of which are the earliest recorded in English. This carol combines English text with a Latin sentence at the end of each stanza. It tells the familiar Christmas story, and includes the terror of Herod's slaughter of the innocent children. The music is highly rhythmic and energetic, influenced by jazz and funk styles, with the choir imitating drum kit effects.

Nowell sing we now was commissioned by Colm Carey and the Choir of the Chapels Royal, HM Tower of London for their Christmas concerts. They gave the first performance on 9th December 2025, accompanied by Dan Greenway on the organ.

Duration: 5 mins
The music is available to purchase from the Aria Editions website here.

Nowell sing we now all and some,
For Rex Pacificus is come.

In Bethlehem, in that fair city,
A child was born of a maiden free,
That shall a lord and prince be,
A solis ortus cardine.

As the sun shineth through the glass,
So Jesu in his mother was;
Thee to serve now grant us grace,
O lux beata Trinitas.

Children were slain in full great plenty,
Jesu, for the love of thee;
Wherefore their souls saved be,
Hostis Herodis impie.

Now God is come to worship us,
Now of Mary is born Jesus;
Make we merry amongst us;
Exultet caelum laudibus.

Nowell sing we now all and some,
For Rex Pacificus is come.

Traditional