Bring the Torch, Jeanette Isabella - Clarinet Choir - Schmitt Bloomington - December 13, 2023

"Bring the Torch, Jeanette Isabella" is a charming Christmas carol that started its life as dance music for nobility in 17th century Provence, France. It was first printed with lyrics in 1688 with the Provençal text "Venès lèu, Vèire la piéucello; Venès lèu, Genti pastourèu!", or "Come quickly, to see the little girl; Come quickly, kind shepherd!", in a collection of twelve noëls by Nicolas Saboly. While uncommon in the United States, it is still used to this date on Christmas Eve in Provence, where children dress as shepherds and milkmaids, bringing torches and candles on the way to Midnight Mass.