The melody used in “Joy to the World” is actually from Handel’s Messiah, but the lyrics were written by Watts to celebrate the second coming of Jesus Christ, rather than his birth. The song has since become associated with Christmas and is commonly sung during the holiday season.
“The Sussex Mummers’ Christmas Carol” lyrics often vary, as is common with many traditional folk carols, but the general narrative involves Mary asking Joseph to pick cherries from a tree to satisfy her cravings. Joseph reacts with surprise, expressing doubt about the child’s parentage. In the carol, the angel Gabriel appears to Joseph, explaining the divine nature of Mary’s pregnancy. …
“Gentle Mary Laid Her Child” is a traditional Christmas carol that reflects on the peaceful and tender scene of Mary laying the infant Jesus in a manger. The lyrics often evoke a sense of serenity and devotion, capturing the essence of the Nativity. The carol’s portrayal of the intimate moments surrounding the birth of Jesus makes it a fitting addition …
Bach’s “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” BWV 191, is a separate and shorter work compared to the larger Mass in B minor. It is a sacred choral composition, and it consists of the Gloria section of the Latin Mass.
“We Three Kings,” also known as “Three Kings of Orient” or simply “The Quest of the Magi,” is a well-known Christmas carol that tells the story of the three Wise Men or Magi who traveled to Bethlehem to visit the newborn Jesus.
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 during Christmas celebrations, and its timeless message of the nativity story continues to resonate with people during the holiday season.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a well-known Christmas carol that has been sung and arranged for various instruments since its inception. Mendelssohn’s original music is jubilant and stately, making it a popular piece during holiday performances. The melody should be played with smooth, lyrical phrasing to reflect the carol’s uplifting and joyful nature. Emphasize dynamic contrasts. Play softly during …
“O Holy Night” (French: “Cantique de Noël”) is a Christmas carol that was written in French by poet Placide Cappeau and set to music by composer Adolphe Adam. Cappeau wrote the lyrics in 1843, and Adam composed the music later the same year. The carol was first performed in Roquemaure, France, during a midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in 1847. …
Max Reger’s Opus 17, No. 9 “Weihnachtstraum” refers to one of the pieces in his collection of solo piano works. It is a German phrase that translates to “Christmas dream” in English. It evokes a sense of the holiday season and the magical, dreamlike atmosphere that often accompanies Christmas celebrations. Reger’s “Silent Night” arrangement, also known as “Weihnachtstraum,” offers a …
“The Holly and the Ivy” is a traditional English Christmas carol that dates back to the 18th century, although some sources suggest that it may have even earlier origins. The song is a celebration of the holly and the ivy, two evergreen plants that are often associated with the Christmas season. “The Holly and the Ivy” is a classic Christmas …
“What Child Is This?” is a popular Christmas carol that is often sung during the holiday season. The lyrics are set to the tune of the English folk song “Greensleeves.” The carol is known for its serene and reflective tone, and it focuses on the nativity story of the birth of Jesus Christ. While “What Child Is This” may seem …
“All Praise to Jesus’ Hallowed Name” is a Christian hymn with lyrics written by Thomas Kelly in the early 19th century. The hymn is often set to the melody “Dix,” composed by Conrad Kocher. The text of the hymn focuses on praising the name of Jesus and acknowledging His role as Savior and Lord. When playing “All Praise to Jesus’ …
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a traditional English Christmas carol that dates back to the 18th century. The song is cumulative in nature, with each verse adding a new gift to the list. It is believed to have originated in France before coming to England and has become one of the most well-known and enduring Christmas songs. The song …
“Silent Night” was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, an Austrian schoolteacher, in 1818. The lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr, an Austrian priest, in the same year. The carol was first performed on Christmas Eve of 1818 at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria.
Franz Liszt’s “An Old Christmas Carol” is a charming and evocative piano composition. It is a part of Liszt’s larger work, “Weihnachtsbaum” (The Christmas Tree), which is a collection of 12 short piano pieces, each inspired by various aspects of the Christmas season. The composition itself is characterized by its melodic richness and harmonic depth. Liszt weaves a familiar Christmas …
“Winter Wonderland” is a popular Christmas song written by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith. It was first published in 1934 and has since become a classic holiday tune. The song paints a festive picture of a winter scene and captures the joy and magic of the holiday season. The original version of “Winter Wonderland” is well-suited for pianists with …
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