Getting easily lost in the pop music of the season, here are some alternatives. The tones strike a different chord and probably ring more true. It this age, the essence of things seem to get lost unnecessarily. We can shut out the discord, for just a moment, and dwell in a place of good memories. Spare a thought for yourself and what this time may mean for you.
The video herein may not be the best quality, so I'd entreat a purchase of them and listen to them without the interruption.
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - Attributed to the poet Tate, at least by 1700, this hymn was a rare gem in that it is extant today. Based upon the text of Luke (2:8-14), the majesty of the music portends the emotions felt by the shepherds when the angel came upon them. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/While_Shepherds_Watched_Their_Flocks
O Ce Veste Minunata - This, a Romanian hymn, lyrically ties the nativity scene in its picturesque terms. It is a light tune, but still captures the scene in Bethlehem. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O,_ce_veste_minunat%C4%83!
Noel sur les jeux d'anches - Attributed in the video to Daquin, the organist, there is slightly more narrative on the subject from the work of Grunenwald of Cran Gevrier. Another very regal interpretation of the Christmas story, as 'Christmas on the reeds'.
The Holly and the Ivy - Predating the mid-1700s, the song is imagery of the green that snubs the winter's chill, retaining its colour despite the snow. As Christians found symbolism, the green and reds of the season would become its fundamental colors. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_holly_and_the_ivy
Gloria in Excelsis Deo - In Luke 2:14 we have the song of the angels to the world. The renditions of this song vary, but typically play with much verve. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloria_in_excelsis_deo
Riu Riu Chiu! - Going fairly ancient in this song, although still extant in many renditions, the Spanish 'riu riu chiu' is likely from the late 1550s. The titular phrase is to echo that of the nightingale, in this case to happily remark upon the proceedings of both the Immaculate Conception and the Nativity. Bonus going and finding the Sixpence None the Richer version. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riu_Riu_Chiu
The Infant King - although I'm unsure of the yT arrangment, it may have been a recording based on John Kelsall. The imagery is apparent, but sweet this time of year. The song originates from an unknown Basque noel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kelsall
Panis Angelicus - "Bread of angels" is the strophe that is still heard today at Mass. Not going too deep on this one, it's a nod to Bocelli, who was in Anaheim today. Sorry, bro, couldn't make it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panis_angelicus
I Saw A Maiden - Fifteenth century carol that is interesting for the word origin of lullaby, that of
how mothers would sush their children with a "lu lu" or "la la" or "by by" sound. This rendition is that of the nativity and the young mother bidding her baby rest. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Saw_a_Maiden
Am Weihnactsbaum die Lichter brennen - 1841, Hermann Kletke wrote this beautiful image of Christmas: it's sights and sounds and the look upon the children's faces. http://german.about.com/library/blmus_amweihnbaum.htm
Finished up last draft of next Anthology, new yT videos, updates to Twitter, etc.
No comments:
Post a Comment