Well, it's that time of year again - the "most wonderful time" as it were. With finals rapidly approaching next week, that means that Christmas time is almost upon us. As such, it's that time when we start hearing those old familiar songs and carols over and over and over again. I heard quite a few of them last night performed by some very talented high school students at CCHS' annual Christmas music concert. It got me thinking... what are some of my favorite Christmas carols? (For the purposes of this list, I'm opting to choose more traditional carols that truly capture the meaning of the season. This is not to say I don't enjoy the novelty carol - quite untrue, in fact. But traditional carols are traditional for a reason - they're timeless.)
5. "What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)"
What makes a beautiful Christmas song? Start with some beautiful music... and 'Greensleeves,' a traditional British folk song about unrequited love, certainly does the trick. Whether played on piano, violin, saxophone... whatever, the song is more widely known as an instrumental piece these days. The Christmas overtones were added by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, making this song a gorgeous holiday classic that has and will continue to stand the test of time. I'm a big fan of the Sarah McLachlan version from her Christmas album 'Wintersong,' released a couple of years back.
4. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
Another fantastic song. This one has got a lot of meaning - the lyrics speak of the ransom of a "captive Israel" and speaks of the nation in exile, desperately in need of both Savior and Messiah. While the composition of the song seems haunting and dreary, the words evoke a note of hope amid suffering. A powerful tune that has been synonymous with the Advent season since its writing. Beautiful. Sufjan Stevens does a good version of this song - worth checking out.
3. "The Ukranian Bell Carol" (a.k.a. "The Carol of the Bells")
Probably the newest of the songs on this list, this song was first performed in 1916 as a New Year's anthem and, ironically enough, was meant to be sung a capella. The irony, of course, is the fact that the most popular versions of this song today are instrumental (most notably performed by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra). Having heard this song performed both by instrumentalists and a capella by a choir (like Straight No Chaser from IU), I'm not sure which version I enjoy more... but I do know that this is assuredly one of my favorite carols!
2. "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"
This is a great song that remains a favorite of mine. Speaking again of the need for a Savior, this song definitely possesses the 'peace' elements of the Christmas season - Christ has come to save mankind and, as such, there is no longer any need to fear, worry, or fret. Magnificent. Of all the fabulous versions of this song out there, I love either the version the Trans-Siberian Orchestra does before "Carol of the Bells" (link above) or the version the Barenaked Ladies recorded with Sarah McLachlan (which includes a version of "We Three Kings" - icing on the cake!). It's fun and poignant all at the same time.
1. "O Holy Night"
Easily my favorite Christmas carol of all time! The powerful crescendos, the moving lyrics, and the swell within everyone in the place when the choir encourages all to "fall on your knees" at the awe and majesty of the miracle of Christ's coming. While solo versions of this song can be exquisite (like those from Josh Groban or the incomparable Luciano Pavarotti), for my money, nothing beats a good choral arrangement of this piece (which are apparently hard to find on YouTube).
Honorable Mentions: "We Three Kings," "Angels We Have Heard On High," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Little Drummer Boy"
So... what are some of your favorite Christmas carols?
16 years ago
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