“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” has been recorded and performed by numerous artists and choirs over the years and remains a popular and enduring part of the Christmas music tradition. It has also been adapted and arranged in various musical styles and continues to be a favorite during the holiday season. This one is arranged for the flute.
The “Christmas Eve Suite” is a collection of orchestral pieces derived from Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera “Christmas Eve,” also known as “Noch’ pered Rozhdestvom” in Russian. The suite consists of several…
“Knecht Ruprecht” is the fourth movement from Schumann’s piano suite titled “Album für die Jugend” (Album for the Young), Op. 68. Composed in 1848, this piece embodies the festive spirit…
The lyrics of “Once in Royal David’s City” reflect the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem and the humble setting of the Nativity scene. The carol begins…
Felix Mendelssohn, a prominent figure in the Romantic era of classical music, has left behind a treasure trove of compositions that continue to captivate audiences today. Among his many works,…
“Silent Night” (German: “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht”) is a widely cherished Christmas carol known for its simple and serene melody. It was originally written in German by Joseph Mohr, with…
The carol “The First Nowell” is a beautiful and reverent song that reflects the wonder and adoration surrounding the birth of Jesus. It is often sung in church services and…
“Jingle Bells” was written by James Lord Pierpont and published under the title “One Horse Open Sleigh” in 1857. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat lyrics have made it a…
“Ave Maria” composed by Charles Gounod is one of the most well-known settings of this prayer. Gounod’s “Ave Maria” is based on Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Prelude in C Major,” specifically…
The “Sonata in C major, K. 513” is often referred to as the “Pastorale” due to its charming and pastoral character. Scarlatti’s keyboard sonatas are known for their virtuosity, inventive…
The authorship of “Rise Up, Shepherds, and Follow” is not definitively attributed to a single individual, as it is a traditional African-American spiritual that has been passed down through generations.…
“Lighting the Candles on the Tree” captures the heartwarming and joyous moment of lighting the candles on a Christmas tree. It is a beautifully evocative piece that conveys the festive…
“Angels from the Realms of Glory” is a Christmas carol with lyrics written by Scottish poet James Montgomery and music composed by Henry Thomas Smart. Smart was an English organist,…
“Song of the Bagpipers” in Neapolitan is known as “Canzone dei Zampognari.” This traditional Neapolitan Christmas song is often associated with the image of bagpipers playing festive music during the…
“The Sussex Mummers’ Christmas Carol” is a traditional English carol that originated in the county of Sussex, England. It is also known by other titles, including “The Cherry Tree Carol”…
“A Great and Mighty Wonder” is a hymn with lyrics written by St. Germanus, Bishop of Constantinople, in the 7th century. The hymn reflects on the miraculous nature of the…
