104-808: The " Coventry Carol " is an English Christmas carol dating from the 16th century. The carol was traditionally performed in Coventry in England as part of a mystery play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors . The play depicts the Christmas story from chapter two in the Gospel of Matthew : the carol itself refers to the Massacre of the Innocents , in which Herod ordered all male infants under
208-562: A 1426 work of John Awdlay , a Shropshire chaplain, who lists twenty five "caroles of Cristemas", probably sung by groups of ' wassailers ', who went from house to house. The songs now known specifically as carols were originally communal songs sung during celebrations like harvest tide as well as Christmas. It was only later that carols began to be sung in church, and to be specifically associated with Christmas. Many carols which have gained popularity were printed in Piae Cantiones ,
312-500: A 1426 work of John Awdlay , a Shropshire chaplain, who lists twenty five "caroles of Cristemas", probably sung by groups of ' wassailers ', who went from house to house. The songs now known specifically as carols were originally communal songs sung during celebrations like harvest tide as well as Christmas. It was only later that carols began to be sung in church, and to be specifically associated with Christmas. Many carols which have gained popularity were printed in Piae Cantiones ,
416-475: A Belén" and " Riu, riu, chiu: El lobo rabioso " and "Los peces en el río". The Nadala or Cançó de Nadal (in plural nadales ) are a popular group of songs, usually requiring a chorus, that are song from Advent until Epiphany . Their written versions starts in the 15th century. In the past were usually being song by shepherds and their families in market squares and in front of churches. The Nadala origins are uncertain but usually cited to be related with
520-475: A Belén" and " Riu, riu, chiu: El lobo rabioso " and "Los peces en el río". The Nadala or Cançó de Nadal (in plural nadales ) are a popular group of songs, usually requiring a chorus, that are song from Advent until Epiphany . Their written versions starts in the 15th century. In the past were usually being song by shepherds and their families in market squares and in front of churches. The Nadala origins are uncertain but usually cited to be related with
624-735: A German folksong arranged by Ernst Anschütz and "Stille Nacht" (" Silent Night ") by the Austrians Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr . The carol most familiar in German besides those two is probably the 19th-century " O du fröhliche ". Other popular and widely sung Christmas carols are "Herbei, o ihr Gläub’gen", which is a German version of "Adeste fideles" (English: " O Come, All Ye Faithful "), Alle Jahre wieder ("Every year again"), Es ist ein Ros entsprungen (lit: "A rose has sprung up"), " Leise rieselt der Schnee " "(Silently
728-550: A German folksong arranged by Ernst Anschütz and "Stille Nacht" (" Silent Night ") by the Austrians Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr . The carol most familiar in German besides those two is probably the 19th-century " O du fröhliche ". Other popular and widely sung Christmas carols are "Herbei, o ihr Gläub’gen", which is a German version of "Adeste fideles" (English: " O Come, All Ye Faithful "), Alle Jahre wieder ("Every year again"), Es ist ein Ros entsprungen (lit: "A rose has sprung up"), " Leise rieselt der Schnee " "(Silently
832-415: A collection of late medieval Latin songs which was first published in 1582. Early, Latin forms of carols such as " Christ was born on Christmas Day ", " Good Christian Men, Rejoice " and " Good King Wenceslas " can be found in this book. " Adeste Fideles " ("O Come all ye faithful") appears in its current form in the mid-18th century, although the words may have originated in the 13th century. The origin of
936-415: A collection of late medieval Latin songs which was first published in 1582. Early, Latin forms of carols such as " Christ was born on Christmas Day ", " Good Christian Men, Rejoice " and " Good King Wenceslas " can be found in this book. " Adeste Fideles " ("O Come all ye faithful") appears in its current form in the mid-18th century, although the words may have originated in the 13th century. The origin of
1040-442: A gray hat", who according to Niles's notes insisted on remaining anonymous). Niles surmised that the carol had been transplanted from England via the shape note singing tradition, although this version of the carol has not been found elsewhere and there is reason to believe that Niles, a prolific composer, actually wrote it himself. Joel Cohen uncovered an early shape note choral song from the 18th century which also includes some of
1144-557: A polite request for a treat, and a promise to come back next year for more well-wishing. Almost all the various carols are in the common dekapentasyllabos (15-syllable iamb with a caesura after the 8th syllable) verse, which means that their wording and tunes are easily interchangeable. This has given rise to a great number of local variants, parts of which often overlap or resemble one another in verse, tune, or both. Nevertheless, their musical variety remains very wide overall: for example carols from Epirus are strictly pentatonic , in
SECTION 10
#17327726001031248-557: A polite request for a treat, and a promise to come back next year for more well-wishing. Almost all the various carols are in the common dekapentasyllabos (15-syllable iamb with a caesura after the 8th syllable) verse, which means that their wording and tunes are easily interchangeable. This has given rise to a great number of local variants, parts of which often overlap or resemble one another in verse, tune, or both. Nevertheless, their musical variety remains very wide overall: for example carols from Epirus are strictly pentatonic , in
1352-596: A religious nature, but not directly related to the birth of Jesus. For example: Antiquarians in the 19th-century rediscovered early carols in museums. According to the Encyclopædia Britannica , about 500 have been found. Some are wassailing songs, some are religious songs in English, some are in Latin, and some are " macaronic " — a mixture of English and Latin. Since most people did not understand Latin,
1456-415: A religious nature, but not directly related to the birth of Jesus. For example: Antiquarians in the 19th-century rediscovered early carols in museums. According to the Encyclopædia Britannica , about 500 have been found. Some are wassailing songs, some are religious songs in English, some are in Latin, and some are " macaronic " — a mixture of English and Latin. Since most people did not understand Latin,
1560-486: A religious theme, but are often still referred to as "carols". For example, the 16th-century song "A Bone, God Wot!" appears to be a wassailing song (which is sung during drinking or while requesting ale), but is described in the British Library 's Cottonian Collection as a Christmas carol. As recently as 1865, Christmas-related lyrics were adopted for the traditional English folk song " Greensleeves ", becoming
1664-422: A religious theme, but are often still referred to as "carols". For example, the 16th-century song "A Bone, God Wot!" appears to be a wassailing song (which is sung during drinking or while requesting ale), but is described in the British Library 's Cottonian Collection as a Christmas carol. As recently as 1865, Christmas-related lyrics were adopted for the traditional English folk song " Greensleeves ", becoming
1768-549: A scientific book on German Christmas carols which is also a song book. Greek tradition calls for children to go out with triangles from house to house on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and Epiphany Eve, and sing the corresponding folk carols, called the Kalanta or Kalanda or Kalanta Christougenon , the word deriving from the Roman calends ). There are separate carols for each of the three great feasts, referring respectively to
1872-443: A scientific book on German Christmas carols which is also a song book. Greek tradition calls for children to go out with triangles from house to house on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and Epiphany Eve, and sing the corresponding folk carols, called the Kalanta or Kalanda or Kalanta Christougenon , the word deriving from the Roman calends ). There are separate carols for each of the three great feasts, referring respectively to
1976-552: Is a tradition of Christmas caroling (earlier known as wassailing ), in which groups of singers travel from house to house, singing carols at each, for which they are often rewarded with gifts, money, mince pies, or a glass of an appropriate beverage. Money collected in this way is now normally given to charity. Singing carols in church was instituted on Christmas Eve 1880 in Truro Cathedral , Cornwall, (see article on Nine Lessons and Carols ), and now seen in churches all over
2080-488: Is a tradition of Christmas caroling (earlier known as wassailing ), in which groups of singers travel from house to house, singing carols at each, for which they are often rewarded with gifts, money, mince pies, or a glass of an appropriate beverage. Money collected in this way is now normally given to charity. Singing carols in church was instituted on Christmas Eve 1880 in Truro Cathedral , Cornwall, (see article on Nine Lessons and Carols ), and now seen in churches all over
2184-786: Is celebrated by western Christians as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple . During the Socialist Republic of Romania in the 20th century, Christmas carols were banned by the government of Ceacuescu. Days following the Romanian Revolution in 1989, Christmas carols were sung for the first time in 42 years. The villancico (or vilancete in Portuguese) was a common poetic and musical form of
SECTION 20
#17327726001032288-424: Is celebrated by western Christians as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple . During the Socialist Republic of Romania in the 20th century, Christmas carols were banned by the government of Ceacuescu. Days following the Romanian Revolution in 1989, Christmas carols were sung for the first time in 42 years. The villancico (or vilancete in Portuguese) was a common poetic and musical form of
2392-600: Is consequently rarely available today. The Oxford Book of Carols , first published in 1928 by Oxford University Press (OUP), was a notably successful collection; edited by the British composers Martin Shaw and Ralph Vaughan Williams , along with clergyman and author Percy Dearmer , it became a widely used source of carols in among choirs and church congregations in Britain and remains in print today. The singing of carols
2496-439: Is consequently rarely available today. The Oxford Book of Carols , first published in 1928 by Oxford University Press (OUP), was a notably successful collection; edited by the British composers Martin Shaw and Ralph Vaughan Williams , along with clergyman and author Percy Dearmer , it became a widely used source of carols in among choirs and church congregations in Britain and remains in print today. The singing of carols
2600-468: Is largely similar except for the addition of an extra verse (described by Poston as "regrettable"): And when the stars ingather do In their far venture stay Then smile as dreaming, little one, By, by, lully, lullay. A number of subsequent recorded versions have incorporated the fifth verse. Christmas carol A Christmas carol is a carol ( a song or hymn ) on the theme of Christmas , traditionally sung at Christmas itself or during
2704-550: Is linguistically dated to the beginning of the High Middle Ages , ca. 1000 AD; it is traditionally associated with the city of Kotyora in the Pontos (modern-day Ordu , Turkey). Most carols follow a more or less standard format: they begin by exalting the relevant religious feast, then proceed to offer praises for the lord and lady of the house, their children, the household and its personnel, and usually conclude with
2808-432: Is linguistically dated to the beginning of the High Middle Ages , ca. 1000 AD; it is traditionally associated with the city of Kotyora in the Pontos (modern-day Ordu , Turkey). Most carols follow a more or less standard format: they begin by exalting the relevant religious feast, then proceed to offer praises for the lord and lady of the house, their children, the household and its personnel, and usually conclude with
2912-809: Is the " Carol of the Bells ", with English lyrics by the American composer of Ukrainian descent Peter J. Wilhousky , composed by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych as " Shchedryk ", and premiered in December 1916 by a choral group made up of students at Kyiv University . Although it is a Christmas carol in Wilhousky's English lyrics, in original Ukrainian lyrics it is a Generous Eve carol ( shchedrivka [ uk ] , Ukrainian: щедрівка ), having nothing with Christianity. Christmas music performed in
3016-531: Is the " Carol of the Bells ", with English lyrics by the American composer of Ukrainian descent Peter J. Wilhousky , composed by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych as " Shchedryk ", and premiered in December 1916 by a choral group made up of students at Kyiv University . Although it is a Christmas carol in Wilhousky's English lyrics, in original Ukrainian lyrics it is a Generous Eve carol ( shchedrivka [ uk ] , Ukrainian: щедрівка ), having nothing with Christianity. Christmas music performed in
3120-520: Is the middle of summer at Christmas, there is a tradition of Carols by Candlelight concerts held outdoors at night in cities and towns across the country, during the weeks leading up to Christmas. First held in Melbourne, "Carols by Candlelight" is held each Christmas Eve in capital cities and many smaller cities and towns around Australia. Performers at the concerts include opera singers, musical theatre performers and popular music singers. People in
3224-463: Is the middle of summer at Christmas, there is a tradition of Carols by Candlelight concerts held outdoors at night in cities and towns across the country, during the weeks leading up to Christmas. First held in Melbourne, "Carols by Candlelight" is held each Christmas Eve in capital cities and many smaller cities and towns around Australia. Performers at the concerts include opera singers, musical theatre performers and popular music singers. People in
Coventry Carol - Misplaced Pages Continue
3328-674: Is the second of three songs included in the Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors, a nativity play that was one of the Coventry Mystery Plays , originally performed by the city's guilds . The exact date of the text is unknown, though there are references to the Coventry guild pageants from 1392 onwards. The single surviving text of the carol and the pageant containing it was edited by one Robert Croo, who dated his manuscript 14 March 1534. Croo, or Crowe, acted for some years as
3432-580: Is this that gives them their uniquely characteristic musical sound. Some carols like " Personent hodie ", " Good King Wenceslas ", and " The Holly and the Ivy " can be traced directly back to the Middle Ages , and are among the oldest musical compositions still regularly sung. Compositions continue to be written that become popular carols. For example, many of the carols written by Alfred Burt are sung regularly in both sacred and secular settings, and are among
3536-472: Is this that gives them their uniquely characteristic musical sound. Some carols like " Personent hodie ", " Good King Wenceslas ", and " The Holly and the Ivy " can be traced directly back to the Middle Ages , and are among the oldest musical compositions still regularly sung. Compositions continue to be written that become popular carols. For example, many of the carols written by Alfred Burt are sung regularly in both sacred and secular settings, and are among
3640-543: Is warned by an angel to take his family to Egypt: Lully, lulla, thow littell tine child, By by, lully, lullay thow littell tyne child, By by, lully, lullay! Lully, lullah, thou little tiny child, Bye bye, lully, lullay. Thou little tiny child, Bye bye, lully, lullay. O sisters too, how may we do For to preserve this day This pore yongling for whom we do singe By by, lully, lullay? O sisters too, how may we do For to preserve this day This poor youngling for whom we sing, "Bye bye, lully, lullay"? Herod,
3744-611: The Australian Broadcasting Commission ). These referred to the hot dry December of the Australian outback, dancing brolgas (a native Australian crane), and similar Australian features. The " Huron Carol " (or "Twas in the Moon of Wintertime") is a Canadian Christmas hymn (Canada's oldest Christmas song), written probably in 1642 by Jean de Brébeuf , a Jesuit missionary at Sainte-Marie among
3848-411: The Australian Broadcasting Commission ). These referred to the hot dry December of the Australian outback, dancing brolgas (a native Australian crane), and similar Australian features. The " Huron Carol " (or "Twas in the Moon of Wintertime") is a Canadian Christmas hymn (Canada's oldest Christmas song), written probably in 1642 by Jean de Brébeuf , a Jesuit missionary at Sainte-Marie among
3952-534: The Iberian Peninsula and Latin America popular from the late 15th to 18th centuries. With the decline in popularity of the villancicos in the 20th century, the term became reduced to mean merely "Christmas carol". Important composers of villancicos were Juan del Encina , Pedro de Escobar , Francisco Guerrero, Gaspar Fernandes and Juan Gutiérez de Padilla. Popular Spanish villancicos include "Los pastores
4056-412: The Iberian Peninsula and Latin America popular from the late 15th to 18th centuries. With the decline in popularity of the villancicos in the 20th century, the term became reduced to mean merely "Christmas carol". Important composers of villancicos were Juan del Encina , Pedro de Escobar , Francisco Guerrero, Gaspar Fernandes and Juan Gutiérez de Padilla. Popular Spanish villancicos include "Los pastores
4160-518: The Montseny and Pedraforca mountains in Catalonia (by the counties of Osona and Girona ). As quite a few have references to mythological events and powers, some authors claim that they contain part of the religion that was present in the territory before Christianity arrived as it was kept alive in these mountainous regions. The nadala is usually paired with the caramella , being one for
4264-407: The Montseny and Pedraforca mountains in Catalonia (by the counties of Osona and Girona ). As quite a few have references to mythological events and powers, some authors claim that they contain part of the religion that was present in the territory before Christianity arrived as it was kept alive in these mountainous regions. The nadala is usually paired with the caramella , being one for
Coventry Carol - Misplaced Pages Continue
4368-874: The Nativity , to St. Basil and the New Year, and to the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan , along with wishes for the household. In addition to the carols for the winter festive season , there are also the springtime or Lenten carols, commonly called the "Carols of Lazarus ", sung on the Saturday before Palm Sunday as a harbinger of the Resurrection of Christ to be celebrated a week later. In older times, caroling children asked for and were given edible gifts such as dried fruit, eggs, nuts or sweets; during
4472-534: The Nativity , to St. Basil and the New Year, and to the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan , along with wishes for the household. In addition to the carols for the winter festive season , there are also the springtime or Lenten carols, commonly called the "Carols of Lazarus ", sung on the Saturday before Palm Sunday as a harbinger of the Resurrection of Christ to be celebrated a week later. In older times, caroling children asked for and were given edible gifts such as dried fruit, eggs, nuts or sweets; during
4576-517: The winter solstice events while the other to the spring equinox . Ukrainian Christmas carols are named kolyadka ( Ukrainian : колядки ). They were originally sung to celebrate the birth of the Sun (winter solstice). After the incorporation into Christianity, their theme has been shifted to Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The Ukrainian carol most known to the Western World
4680-405: The winter solstice events while the other to the spring equinox . Ukrainian Christmas carols are named kolyadka ( Ukrainian : колядки ). They were originally sung to celebrate the birth of the Sun (winter solstice). After the incorporation into Christianity, their theme has been shifted to Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The Ukrainian carol most known to the Western World
4784-592: The 'manager' of the city pageants. Over a twenty-year period, payments are recorded to him for playing the part of God in the Drapers' Pageant, for making a hat for a "pharysye", and for mending and making other costumes and props, as well as for supplying new dialogue and for copying out the Shearmen and Tailors' Pageant in a version which Croo described as "newly correcte". Croo seems to have worked by adapting and editing older material, while adding his own rather ponderous and undistinguished verse. Religious changes caused
4888-516: The 12th century the Parisian monk Adam of Saint Victor began to derive music from popular songs, introducing something closer to the traditional Christmas carol. In the 13th century, in France, Germany, and particularly, Italy, under the influence of Francis of Assisi , a strong tradition of popular Christmas songs in regional native languages developed. Christmas carols in English first appear in
4992-407: The 12th century the Parisian monk Adam of Saint Victor began to derive music from popular songs, introducing something closer to the traditional Christmas carol. In the 13th century, in France, Germany, and particularly, Italy, under the influence of Francis of Assisi , a strong tradition of popular Christmas songs in regional native languages developed. Christmas carols in English first appear in
5096-452: The 19th century helped to widen the popular appeal of carols. " God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen ", " The First Noel ", " I Saw Three Ships " and " Hark! The Herald Angels Sing " appear in English antiquarian William Sandys ' 1833 collection Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern . Composers such as Arthur Sullivan helped to repopularise the carol, and it is this period that gave rise to such favourites as " Good King Wenceslas " and " It Came Upon
5200-452: The 19th century helped to widen the popular appeal of carols. " God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen ", " The First Noel ", " I Saw Three Ships " and " Hark! The Herald Angels Sing " appear in English antiquarian William Sandys ' 1833 collection Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern . Composers such as Arthur Sullivan helped to repopularise the carol, and it is this period that gave rise to such favourites as " Good King Wenceslas " and " It Came Upon
5304-632: The 20th century this was gradually replaced with money gifts – ranging from small change in the case of strangers to considerable amounts in the case of close relatives. Caroling is also done by marching bands, choirs, school students seeking to raise funds for trips or charity, members of folk societies, or merely by groups of well-wishers. Many internationally known carols, e.g. " Silent Night " and " O Tannenbaum ", are also sung in Greek translation. Many carols are regional, being popular in specific regions but unknown in others, whereas some are popular throughout
SECTION 50
#17327726001035408-580: The 20th century this was gradually replaced with money gifts – ranging from small change in the case of strangers to considerable amounts in the case of close relatives. Caroling is also done by marching bands, choirs, school students seeking to raise funds for trips or charity, members of folk societies, or merely by groups of well-wishers. Many internationally known carols, e.g. " Silent Night " and " O Tannenbaum ", are also sung in Greek translation. Many carols are regional, being popular in specific regions but unknown in others, whereas some are popular throughout
5512-1004: The Hurons in Canada. In accordance with a medieval tradition, the Christmas Peace is declared every year on Christmas Eve in Porvoo , Finland, with a local band and male choir performing Christmas carols. "Dans cette étable" and "Venez Divin Messie" are also popular Christmas carols. Perhaps the best known traditional French carol, " Il est né, le divin Enfant ", comes from the region of Provence . Some carols familiar in English are translations of German Christmas songs ( Weihnachtslieder ). Pastoral Weihnachtslieder are sometimes called Hirtenlieder ("shepherd songs"). Martin Luther wrote
5616-623: The Hurons in Canada. In accordance with a medieval tradition, the Christmas Peace is declared every year on Christmas Eve in Porvoo , Finland, with a local band and male choir performing Christmas carols. "Dans cette étable" and "Venez Divin Messie" are also popular Christmas carols. Perhaps the best known traditional French carol, " Il est né, le divin Enfant ", comes from the region of Provence . Some carols familiar in English are translations of German Christmas songs ( Weihnachtslieder ). Pastoral Weihnachtslieder are sometimes called Hirtenlieder ("shepherd songs"). Martin Luther wrote
5720-545: The Midnight Clear ", a New England carol written by Edmund H. Sears and Richard S. Willis. The publication in 1871 of Christmas Carols, New and Old by Henry Ramsden Bramley and Sir John Stainer was a significant contribution to a revival of carols in Victorian Britain . In 1916, Charles Lewis Hutchins published Carols Old and Carols New , a scholarly collection which suffered from a short print run and
5824-414: The Midnight Clear ", a New England carol written by Edmund H. Sears and Richard S. Willis. The publication in 1871 of Christmas Carols, New and Old by Henry Ramsden Bramley and Sir John Stainer was a significant contribution to a revival of carols in Victorian Britain . In 1916, Charles Lewis Hutchins published Carols Old and Carols New , a scholarly collection which suffered from a short print run and
5928-499: The United States ranges from popular songs, such as " Jingle Bells ", to Christmas carols, such as " Away in a Manger ", " O Little Town of Bethlehem ", and numerous others of varying genres. Church and college choirs celebrate with special programs and online recordings. Christmas carol A Christmas carol is a carol ( a song or hymn ) on the theme of Christmas , traditionally sung at Christmas itself or during
6032-620: The accompaniment of his song cycle Weihnachtslieder , Op. 8. Other examples include: In Austria, Belgium and Germany, Epiphany , the last feast of the Christmas season, is marked by star singers , children dressing as the Three Kings , carrying a star on a pole. Going from house to house from New Year's Day to 6 January, the children sing religious songs and collect money for charity. They are often rewarded with extra sweets or money. In Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, where it
6136-504: The accompaniment of his song cycle Weihnachtslieder , Op. 8. Other examples include: In Austria, Belgium and Germany, Epiphany , the last feast of the Christmas season, is marked by star singers , children dressing as the Three Kings , carrying a star on a pole. Going from house to house from New Year's Day to 6 January, the children sing religious songs and collect money for charity. They are often rewarded with extra sweets or money. In Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, where it
6240-511: The age of two in Bethlehem to be killed, and takes the form of a lullaby sung by mothers of the doomed children. The music contains a well-known example of a Picardy third . The author is unknown; the oldest known text was written down by Robert Croo in 1534, and the oldest known setting of the melody dates from 1591. There are alternative, modern settings of the carol by Kenneth Leighton , Philip Stopford and Michael McGlynn . The carol
6344-685: The audience hold lit candles and join in singing some of the carols in accompaniment with the celebrities. Similar events are now held all over Australia, usually arranged by churches, municipal councils, or other community groups. They are normally held on Christmas Eve or the Sunday or weekend before Christmas. A similar recent trend in South Africa and New Zealand are for smaller towns to host their own Carols by Candlelight concerts. William Garnet "Billy" James (1892–1977) wrote music for Christmas carol lyrics written by John Wheeler (both men worked for
SECTION 60
#17327726001036448-571: The audience hold lit candles and join in singing some of the carols in accompaniment with the celebrities. Similar events are now held all over Australia, usually arranged by churches, municipal councils, or other community groups. They are normally held on Christmas Eve or the Sunday or weekend before Christmas. A similar recent trend in South Africa and New Zealand are for smaller towns to host their own Carols by Candlelight concerts. William Garnet "Billy" James (1892–1977) wrote music for Christmas carol lyrics written by John Wheeler (both men worked for
6552-719: The best known was originally entitled "Hark! How All the Welkin Rings", later edited to " Hark! the Herald Angels Sing ". A tune from a cantata, Festgesang , by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840 was adapted by William H. Cummings to fit Wesley's words. This combination first appeared in "Hymns Ancient and Modern" in 1861. " Silent Night " comes from Austria. The carol was first performed in the Nikolauskirche in Oberndorf on 24 December 1818. Mohr had composed
6656-470: The best known was originally entitled "Hark! How All the Welkin Rings", later edited to " Hark! the Herald Angels Sing ". A tune from a cantata, Festgesang , by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840 was adapted by William H. Cummings to fit Wesley's words. This combination first appeared in "Hymns Ancient and Modern" in 1861. " Silent Night " comes from Austria. The carol was first performed in the Nikolauskirche in Oberndorf on 24 December 1818. Mohr had composed
6760-549: The better known modern Christmas carols. Almost all the well-known carols were not sung in church until the second half of the 19th century. Hymns Ancient and Modern 1861–1874 included several carols. Isaac Watts , the "father of English hymnody", composed " Joy to the World ", which has become a popular Christmas carol even though it is widely believed that Watts did not write it to be sung only at Christmas. Charles Wesley wrote texts for at least three Christmas carols, of which
6864-497: The better known modern Christmas carols. Almost all the well-known carols were not sung in church until the second half of the 19th century. Hymns Ancient and Modern 1861–1874 included several carols. Isaac Watts , the "father of English hymnody", composed " Joy to the World ", which has become a popular Christmas carol even though it is widely believed that Watts did not write it to be sung only at Christmas. Charles Wesley wrote texts for at least three Christmas carols, of which
6968-554: The birth of Christ; this is often based on the famous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King's College, Cambridge . In the 1680s and 1690s, two French composers incorporated carols into their works. Louis-Claude Daquin wrote 12 noels for organ. Marc-Antoine Charpentier wrote a few instrumental versions of noels, plus one major choral work Messe de minuit pour Noël . Johann Sebastian Bach included Christmas carols in his cantatas for Christmastide , including his Christmas Oratorio . Peter Cornelius included carol melodies in
7072-554: The birth of Christ; this is often based on the famous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King's College, Cambridge . In the 1680s and 1690s, two French composers incorporated carols into their works. Louis-Claude Daquin wrote 12 noels for organ. Marc-Antoine Charpentier wrote a few instrumental versions of noels, plus one major choral work Messe de minuit pour Noël . Johann Sebastian Bach included Christmas carols in his cantatas for Christmastide , including his Christmas Oratorio . Peter Cornelius included carol melodies in
7176-524: The broadcast concluded with the singing of the carol in the bombed-out ruins of the Cathedral. The carol's music was added to Croo's manuscript at a later date by Thomas Mawdyke, his additions being dated 13 May 1591. Mawdyke wrote out the music in three-part harmony, though whether he was responsible for its composition is debatable, and the music's style could be indicative of an earlier date. The three (alto, tenor and baritone) vocal parts confirm that, as
7280-429: The carol " Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her ", which can be acted as a play of the Christmas story . He also wrote " Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ " and " Christum wir sollen loben schon ". The carol " Vom Himmel hoch, o Engel, kommt " was written by Friedrich Spee in 1622 to an older melody, a lullaby singing "of Jesus and Mary", and for peace. Two well-known later examples are " O Tannenbaum " (O Christmas tree), from
7384-429: The carol " Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her ", which can be acted as a play of the Christmas story . He also wrote " Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ " and " Christum wir sollen loben schon ". The carol " Vom Himmel hoch, o Engel, kommt " was written by Friedrich Spee in 1622 to an older melody, a lullaby singing "of Jesus and Mary", and for peace. Two well-known later examples are " O Tannenbaum " (O Christmas tree), from
7488-602: The implication is that these songs were composed for church choristers, or perhaps for an educated audience at the Royal courts. The most famous survival of these early macaronic carols is "The Boar's Head". The tradition of singing carols outside of church services early in the 19th century is best illustrated by Thomas Hardy 's novel Under the Greenwood Tree (1872). In England and other countries, such as Poland (kolęda), Romania ( colindă ) and Bulgaria ( koledari ), there
7592-486: The implication is that these songs were composed for church choristers, or perhaps for an educated audience at the Royal courts. The most famous survival of these early macaronic carols is "The Boar's Head". The tradition of singing carols outside of church services early in the 19th century is best illustrated by Thomas Hardy 's novel Under the Greenwood Tree (1872). In England and other countries, such as Poland (kolęda), Romania ( colindă ) and Bulgaria ( koledari ), there
7696-559: The influence of indigenous, Hispanic and American musical traditions, reflecting the country's complex history . Carollers ( Tagalog : Namamaskô ) begin wassailing in November, with mostly children and young adults participating in the custom. Christmas carols are very popular in Poland, where they have a long history, the oldest dating to the 15th century or earlier. There is a tradition of singing Christmas carols until 2 February which
7800-450: The influence of indigenous, Hispanic and American musical traditions, reflecting the country's complex history . Carollers ( Tagalog : Namamaskô ) begin wassailing in November, with mostly children and young adults participating in the custom. Christmas carols are very popular in Poland, where they have a long history, the oldest dating to the 15th century or earlier. There is a tradition of singing Christmas carols until 2 February which
7904-528: The internationally popular Christmas carol " What Child is This? ". Little research has been conducted on carol singing, but one of the few sociological studies of caroling in the early 21st century in Finland determined that the sources of songs are often misunderstood, and that it is simplistic to suggest caroling is mostly related to Christian beliefs, for it also reinforces preservation of diverse national customs and local family traditions. A modern form of
8008-473: The internationally popular Christmas carol " What Child is This? ". Little research has been conducted on carol singing, but one of the few sociological studies of caroling in the early 21st century in Finland determined that the sources of songs are often misunderstood, and that it is simplistic to suggest caroling is mostly related to Christian beliefs, for it also reinforces preservation of diverse national customs and local family traditions. A modern form of
8112-589: The kind of drone polyphony practised in the Balkans , and accompanied by C- clarinets and fiddles ; just across the straits, on Corfu Island, the style is tempered harmonic polyphony, accompanied by mandolins and guitars. Generally speaking, the musical style of each carol closely follows the secular music tradition of each region. The most popular Italian Christmas carol is " Tu scendi dalle stelle ", written in 1732 by Saint Alphonsus Liguori . Christmas carols in predominantly Catholic Philippines exhibit
8216-535: The kind of drone polyphony practised in the Balkans , and accompanied by C- clarinets and fiddles ; just across the straits, on Corfu Island, the style is tempered harmonic polyphony, accompanied by mandolins and guitars. Generally speaking, the musical style of each carol closely follows the secular music tradition of each region. The most popular Italian Christmas carol is " Tu scendi dalle stelle ", written in 1732 by Saint Alphonsus Liguori . Christmas carols in predominantly Catholic Philippines exhibit
8320-530: The king, in his raging, Chargid he hath this day His men of might in his owne sight All yonge children to slay,— Herod the king, in his raging, Chargèd he hath this day His men of might in his own sight All young children to slay. That wo is me, pore child, for thee, And ever morne and may For thi parting nether say nor singe, By by, lully, lullay. That woe is me, poor child, for thee And ever mourn and may For thy parting neither say nor sing, "Bye bye, lully, lullay." Sharp's publication of
8424-528: The lyrics to the Coventry Carol and has a tune at least marginally resembling Niles' variant. For this reason, Cohen argued that the Appalachian variant was likely to be authentic and that Crump et al. have been too quick to assume chicanery on Niles' part due to his proclivity for editing some of his collected material. Although the tune is quite different to that of the "Coventry Carol", the text
8528-570: The orthography and layout; this proved fortunate as Croo's original manuscript, which had passed into the collection of the Birmingham Free Library , was destroyed in a fire there in 1879. Sharp's transcriptions are therefore the only source; Sharp had a reputation as a careful scholar, and his copying of the text of the women's carol appears to be accurate. Within the pageant, the carol is sung by three women of Bethlehem, who enter on stage with their children immediately after Joseph
8632-509: The play cycle in the summer of 1591, though in the end the city authorities chose not to support the revival. The surviving pageants were revived in the Cathedral from 1951 onwards. A four-part setting of the tune by Walford Davies is shown below: A variant of the carol was supposedly collected by folklorist John Jacob Niles in Gatlinburg, Tennessee , in June 1934 (from an "old lady with
8736-420: The plays' suppression during the later 16th century, but Croo's prompt book , including the songs, survived and a transcription was eventually published by the Coventry antiquarian Thomas Sharp in 1817 as part of his detailed study of the city's mystery plays. Sharp published a second edition in 1825 which included the songs' music. Both printings were intended to be a facsimile of Croo's manuscript, copying both
8840-551: The practice of caroling can be seen in " Dial-A-Carol ," an annual tradition held by students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , wherein potential audiences call the singers to request a performance over phone call. It is not clear whether the word carol derives from the French "carole" or the Latin "carula" meaning a circular dance. Traditionally, carols have often been based on medieval chord patterns, and it
8944-440: The practice of caroling can be seen in " Dial-A-Carol ," an annual tradition held by students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , wherein potential audiences call the singers to request a performance over phone call. It is not clear whether the word carol derives from the French "carole" or the Latin "carula" meaning a circular dance. Traditionally, carols have often been based on medieval chord patterns, and it
9048-574: The snow is falling)", " Tochter Zion, freue dich " (Daughter Zion, rejoice) and " Es ist für uns eine Zeit angekommen " ("Unto us a time has come"). " Lasst uns froh und munter sein " ("Let us be happy and cheerful"), " Kling, Glöckchen ", ("Ring, Little Bell"), " Ihr Kinderlein, kommet " ("Oh, come, little children") and " Schneeflöckchen, Weißröckchen " (lit.: "tiny snowflake, white, tiny skirt") are popular German songs introduced in Kindergarten and primary school . Ingeborg Weber-Kellermann wrote
9152-514: The snow is falling)", " Tochter Zion, freue dich " (Daughter Zion, rejoice) and " Es ist für uns eine Zeit angekommen " ("Unto us a time has come"). " Lasst uns froh und munter sein " ("Let us be happy and cheerful"), " Kling, Glöckchen ", ("Ring, Little Bell"), " Ihr Kinderlein, kommet " ("Oh, come, little children") and " Schneeflöckchen, Weißröckchen " (lit.: "tiny snowflake, white, tiny skirt") are popular German songs introduced in Kindergarten and primary school . Ingeborg Weber-Kellermann wrote
9256-407: The surrounding Christmas and holiday season . The term noel has sometimes been used, especially for carols of French origin. Christmas carols may be regarded as a subset of the broader category of Christmas music . The first known Christmas hymns may be traced to 4th-century Rome. Latin hymns such as Veni redemptor gentium , written by Ambrose , Archbishop of Milan , were austere statements of
9360-407: The surrounding Christmas and holiday season . The term noel has sometimes been used, especially for carols of French origin. Christmas carols may be regarded as a subset of the broader category of Christmas music . The first known Christmas hymns may be traced to 4th-century Rome. Latin hymns such as Veni redemptor gentium , written by Ambrose , Archbishop of Milan , were austere statements of
9464-582: The text stimulated some renewed interest in the pageant and songs, particularly in Coventry itself. Although the Coventry mystery play cycle was traditionally performed in summer, the lullaby has been in modern times regarded as a Christmas carol . It was brought to a wider audience after being featured in the BBC's Empire Broadcast at Christmas 1940, shortly after the Bombing of Coventry in World War II , when
9568-649: The theological doctrine of the Incarnation in opposition to Arianism . Corde natus ex Parentis ( Of the Father's heart begotten ) by the Spanish poet Prudentius (d. 413) is still sung in some churches today. In the 9th and 10th centuries, the Christmas sequence (or prose) was introduced in Northern European monasteries, developing under Bernard of Clairvaux into a sequence of rhymed stanzas . In
9672-414: The theological doctrine of the Incarnation in opposition to Arianism . Corde natus ex Parentis ( Of the Father's heart begotten ) by the Spanish poet Prudentius (d. 413) is still sung in some churches today. In the 9th and 10th centuries, the Christmas sequence (or prose) was introduced in Northern European monasteries, developing under Bernard of Clairvaux into a sequence of rhymed stanzas . In
9776-791: The tune is disputed. Carols gained in popularity after the Reformation in the countries where Protestant churches gained prominence (as well-known Reformers like Martin Luther authored carols and encouraged their use in worship). This was a consequence of the fact that the Lutheran reformation warmly welcomed music. During the years that the Puritan ban on Christmas was in place in England, semi-clandestine religious services marking Christ's birth continued to be held, and people sang carols in secret. The publication of Christmas music books in
9880-567: The tune is disputed. Carols gained in popularity after the Reformation in the countries where Protestant churches gained prominence (as well-known Reformers like Martin Luther authored carols and encouraged their use in worship). This was a consequence of the fact that the Lutheran reformation warmly welcomed music. During the years that the Puritan ban on Christmas was in place in England, semi-clandestine religious services marking Christ's birth continued to be held, and people sang carols in secret. The publication of Christmas music books in
9984-672: The two countries. Examples of the latter are the Peloponnesian Christmas carol "Christoúgenna, Prōtoúgenna" ("Christmas, Firstmas"), the Constantinopolitan Christmas carol "Kalēn hespéran, árchontes" ("Good evening, lords"), and the New Year's carol "Archimēniá ki archichroniá" ("First of the month, first of the year"). The oldest known carol, commonly referred to as the "Byzantine Carol" ( Byzantine Greek : Άναρχος θεός καταβέβηκεν, Ánarkhos Theós katabébēken , "God, who has no beginning, descended"),
10088-515: The two countries. Examples of the latter are the Peloponnesian Christmas carol "Christoúgenna, Prōtoúgenna" ("Christmas, Firstmas"), the Constantinopolitan Christmas carol "Kalēn hespéran, árchontes" ("Good evening, lords"), and the New Year's carol "Archimēniá ki archichroniá" ("First of the month, first of the year"). The oldest known carol, commonly referred to as the "Byzantine Carol" ( Byzantine Greek : Άναρχος θεός καταβέβηκεν, Ánarkhos Theós katabébēken , "God, who has no beginning, descended"),
10192-438: The words much earlier, in 1816, but on Christmas Eve brought them to Gruber and asked him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment for the church service. The first English translation was in 1871 where it was published in a Methodist hymnal. Several different Christmas episodes, apart from the birth of Jesus itself, are described in Christmas carols, such as: In addition, some carols describe Christmas-related events of
10296-438: The words much earlier, in 1816, but on Christmas Eve brought them to Gruber and asked him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment for the church service. The first English translation was in 1871 where it was published in a Methodist hymnal. Several different Christmas episodes, apart from the birth of Jesus itself, are described in Christmas carols, such as: In addition, some carols describe Christmas-related events of
10400-602: The world. The songs that were chosen for singing in church omitted the wassailing carols, and the words "hymn" and "carol" were used almost interchangeably. Shortly before, in 1878, the Salvation Army , under Charles Fry, instituted the idea of playing carols at Christmas, using a brass band . Carols can be sung by individual singers, but are also often sung by larger groups, including professionally trained choirs. Most churches have special services at which carols are sung, generally combined with readings from scripture about
10504-539: The world. The songs that were chosen for singing in church omitted the wassailing carols, and the words "hymn" and "carol" were used almost interchangeably. Shortly before, in 1878, the Salvation Army , under Charles Fry, instituted the idea of playing carols at Christmas, using a brass band . Carols can be sung by individual singers, but are also often sung by larger groups, including professionally trained choirs. Most churches have special services at which carols are sung, generally combined with readings from scripture about
10608-816: Was further popularised in the 20th century when OUP published one of the most popular carol books in the English-speaking world, Carols for Choirs . First published in 1961 and edited by David Willcocks and Reginald Jacques , this bestselling series has since expanded to a five-volume set. Along with editor John Rutter , the compilers included many arrangements of carols derived from sources such as Piae Cantiones , as well as pieces by modern composers such as William Walton , Benjamin Britten , Richard Rodney Bennett , William Mathias and John Rutter. Today carols are regularly sung at Christian religious services. Some compositions have words that are clearly not of
10712-694: Was further popularised in the 20th century when OUP published one of the most popular carol books in the English-speaking world, Carols for Choirs . First published in 1961 and edited by David Willcocks and Reginald Jacques , this bestselling series has since expanded to a five-volume set. Along with editor John Rutter , the compilers included many arrangements of carols derived from sources such as Piae Cantiones , as well as pieces by modern composers such as William Walton , Benjamin Britten , Richard Rodney Bennett , William Mathias and John Rutter. Today carols are regularly sung at Christian religious services. Some compositions have words that are clearly not of
10816-503: Was usual with mystery plays, the parts of the "mothers" singing the carol were invariably played by men. The original three-part version contains a "startling" false relation (F ♯ in treble, F in tenor) at "by, by". Mawdyke, who may be identifiable with a tailor of that name living in the St Michael's parish of Coventry in the late 16th century, is thought to have made his additions as part of an unsuccessful attempt to revive
#102897