Birthday Songs

My favorite birthday songs are both by Henry Purcell (1659-1695). The first is Sound the Trumpet (performed here by Alison Balsom, Iestyn Davies, and company), and the second is Now the Night is Chased Away (performed here by Lea Desandres, with Thomas Dunford's Jupiter ensemble). Lyrics of Sound the Trumpet: Sound the trumpet, sound the trumpet, sound the trumpet! Sound, sound, sound the trumpet till around You make the list'ning shores rebound. On the sprightly hautboy play All the instruments of joy That skillful numbers can employ, To celebrate the glories of this day. Lyrics of Now the Night is Chased Away: Soprano: Now the Night is chac'd away, All salute the rising Sun; 'Tis that happy, happy Day, The Birth-Day of King Oberon. Chorus: Let the Fifes, and the Clarions, and shrill Trumpets sound, And the Arch of high Heav'n the Clangor resound.