The American clergyman Edmund H. Sears wrote the text for 'It Came Upon the Midnight Clear' in 1849, exploring the discrepancy between the angelic message of peace and a world suffering from 'sin and strife', influenced by contemporary European revolutions and the Mexican War.
Historical Context
In Scandinavian Christmas culture, ancient harvest rituals and mid-winter customs have merged with Christian traditions, leading to dwarfs and trolls being part of Christmas celebrations.
Historical Context
The Catalan carol 'E la don don, Verges Maria' is an example of a 'villancico', a type of piece originating from the music of common people, often dances or songs with vernacular texts.
Composition History
The popular carol 'Kommet, ihr Hirten' (Come, All Ye Shepherds) uses an original Moravian tune, to which Leipzig Kapellmeister Carl Riedel added new German words and a four-part arrangement around 1868.
Album & Artwork
This album features Christmas carols from various European countries, aiming to showcase the diversity and shared roots of Christmas singing traditions.
Compositional Technique
Russian Orthodox services are entirely sung, with no spoken words or musical instruments permitted, as human voices are believed to join an angelic choir praising God.
Cultural Impact
The Icelandic song 'Það á að gefa börnum brauð' features Grýla, a hideous figure who steals food and devours children, symbolizing the harshness of winter in Nordic countries.
You might also enjoy...
Ihr Kinderlein kommet (Der Dresdner Kreuzchor singt die schönsten Weihnachtslieder)
I signet juletid
The First Nowell: Christmas Carols Through the Ages
