IL EST NE LE DIVIN ENFANT is a traditional French melody with a text which first appeared about 1875. The decision to set this familiar tune in English left enough to be desired that the composer decided to maintain some of the French style lost in the lingual translation. Historically, this arrangement also compares nicely with the old Normandy hunting tune's original appearance in 6/8 meter. The tambour is a drum similar to a snare drum but played with the snares off. A "bolero" rhythm begins quietly in the tambour and continues throughout the song. There is a dance in the vocal rhythms, as well, but an additional striking quality is the singers' silky phrases that seem to pull and stretch and weave layer upon layer of resonance. Lush sonorities provide the wrapping to this charming arrangement.