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Post by Zi on Oct 31, 2023 14:38:42 GMT
I came across a list somewhere of best carols ever and some of them left me a bit underwhelmed. And it tended to be all the really well-known ones. So, has anyone got suggests not only for the best carol ever but maybe some unusual carols/winter songs.
I've forgotten the names of some of the ones I really like so I'll add mine later...
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Post by pavane on Oct 31, 2023 15:53:07 GMT
The words of many carols are weird in the extreme, but leaving that aside, one of my favourites (and I had to look up the name) is "Angels We Have Heard On High" because I love the Gloria part. I also like the tune to Coventry Carol (and the music, for recorder, is online in various places - Mrs P and I have played this one in the past). Likewise In The Bleak Midwinter.
Talking of Gloria, I know it's not Christmas music, but one of my absolute favourite pieces of music, always picks me up when I'm feeling sluggish, is Vivaldi's Gloria
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Post by Zi on Nov 1, 2023 9:28:24 GMT
The words of many carols are weird in the extreme, Totally agree - I'm relieved to find another person sharing that view! Some of the winter songs are peculiar as well. I've got a collection by an Irish folk musician which includes a song about wren hunting which turns out to be a an actual tradition for 26th December which once involved a real wren but mercifully is now a fake one. I can't begin to tell what chills that sends down my spine... |
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Post by Zi on Nov 1, 2023 10:14:47 GMT
I love The Holly and The Ivy Girl. I came across it in a Celtic collection for the fiddle which Mr Z bought for me - obviously I (try to) play it on the recorder. There's a vocal version here but it really is better on the harp though I can't find an on-line vocal version with harp accompaniment. There is a youtube vocal with guitar and fiddle version here |
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Post by keff on Nov 1, 2023 11:11:44 GMT
Cradled in a manger to the tune of St.Winifred
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Post by pavane on Nov 1, 2023 12:01:06 GMT
...wren hunting which turns out to be a an actual tradition for 26th December which once involved a real wren but mercifully is now a fake one.
It's still a thing around here but, as you say, now more about pageantry (and tractors in this part of Kerry!) and no longer featuring real wrens, though I know a few people who remember the "real thing" from childhood.
There is actually a whole lot of weirdness around Christmas!
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Post by Zi on Nov 4, 2023 12:33:06 GMT
There is actually a whole lot of weirdness around Christmas! Yes... totally agree. I can't bear to think of the suffering of a real wren. Apparently some 'sang' - they were still alive when carried about on the pole. Bird song and its purpose isn't well-understood by many humans so I really don't want to think about how terrified it must have been. I looked up Wenceslaus today and was reminded that he was likely murdered by his brother - Boleslaus the Cruel. Things were simpler then. People had epithets that helped you to make a decision about them... |
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