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.
“What Child Is This?” is a traditional Christmas carol set to the tune of “Greensleeves.” Since the piece has a flowing, lyrical quality, aim for smooth, connected bow strokes. Use a full bow for longer notes and maintain even pressure. If you’re comfortable with vibrato, use it to add warmth and expression to longer notes. However, don’t overdo it; subtlety …
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” is a popular Christmas song written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie. It was first introduced in 1934 when it was performed on the Eddie Cantor radio show and has since become a classic holiday tune. The song conveys the anticipation and excitement of Santa Claus’s arrival on Christmas Eve and encourages children …
The lyrics of “Gaudete” are written in Latin and are inspired by verses from the Bible, particularly Philippians 4:4-7. The carol expresses joy and celebration at the coming of Christ and encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord. It is a lively and upbeat song that is typically sung with enthusiasm and energy.
“Angels from the Realms of Glory” is a traditional Christmas carol that is often sung during the holiday season. The lyrics were written by James Montgomery in 1816, and the music is usually set to the tune “Regent Square,” composed by Henry Thomas Smart in 1867.
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 …
“O Sanctissima,” also known as “O du fröhliche,” is a hymn and carol dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The text of the hymn is attributed to the German poet and priest Fr. Caspar Stollhofen, who lived in the 17th century. The music is often associated with the Sicilian folk tune “O sanctissima,” and it has been used in various musical …
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.
“Die musikalische Schlittenfahrt,” which translates to “The Musical Sleigh Ride” in English, is a delightful and festive composition by the German composer Leopold Mozart. Leopold Mozart, father of the renowned Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was a composer, conductor, and violinist during the 18th century. Leopold Mozart’s “Die musikalische Schlittenfahrt” is a musical depiction of a sleigh ride, capturing the joy and …
“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 from the first prelude in his collection titled “The Well-Tempered Clavier,” BWV 846. Gounod added a vocal melody and adapted the music to fit the traditional Latin text of the …
“Good King Wenceslas” is a Christmas carol that tells the story of a generous and kind-hearted Bohemian king who braved harsh winter weather to provide charity to a poor peasant. The lyrics, penned by John Mason Neale in the 19th century, are set to the melody of a 13th-century spring carol called “Tempus adest floridum.” The combination of the heartwarming …
“Jingle Bells” is one of the most well-known and beloved Christmas songs worldwide. It was written by James Lord Pierpont and published under the title “One Horse Open Sleigh” in 1857.
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.
“What Sweeter Music” is a Christmas carol composed by British composer John Rutter. Rutter is known for his contributions to modern choral music, and “What Sweeter Music” is one of his well-known compositions. The carol reflects the joy and celebration of the Christmas season, emphasizing the birth of Jesus Christ as a cause for great rejoicing. John Rutter’s musical setting …
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” is a well-known Christmas carol with lyrics written by Phillips Brooks and music composed by Lewis Redner. The song was first performed in 1868 and has become a classic in the Christmas music repertoire. It paints a peaceful and reverent picture of the town of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. The original version …
“Away in a Manger” is a traditional Christmas carol, often associated with nativity celebrations. Its origins are somewhat disputed, with the first two verses historically attributed to Martin Luther, though this claim is debated. The melody, most commonly associated with this carol, comes in two popular versions: one by William J. Kirkpatrick (1887) and another by James R. Murray (1885). …
