SKU: A0.1500348

O Christmas Tree, originally known as O Tannenbaum, is a significant holiday carol with deep cultural and historical roots. Here are some key points regarding its importance:

Origins and Evolution
German Roots: The carol originated in Germany, where O Tannenbaum was a traditional folk song that celebrated the fir tree's beauty and symbolized faithfulness and endurance. The melody dates back to the 16th century, and the modern lyrics were adapted by German composer Ernst Anschütz in 1824.

Cultural Adaptation: In the 19th century, the song transitioned into English as O Christmas Tree, aligning with the growing Christmas tree tradition in Western cultures, particularly in the UK and the US. This adaptation reflects the broader cultural exchange and the incorporation of German customs into English-speaking Christmas celebrations.

Symbolism
Evergreen Significance: The lyrics of O Christmas Tree emphasize the tree's evergreen nature, which serves as a metaphor for reliability and hope. The fir tree is celebrated for its beauty and ability to remain vibrant throughout the seasons, symbolizing steadfastness and renewal.

Christmas Tradition: The song has become synonymous with Christmas celebrations, marking the festive season for many families. It encapsulates the joy and warmth associated with decorating Christmas trees, a practice that has become a worldwide central aspect of holiday traditions.

Musical and Cultural Impact
Widespread Popularity: O Christmas Tree is one of the most recognized Christmas carols, performed in various versions across different cultures. Its melody and themes resonate with audiences, making it a staple in holiday music repertoires.

Educational Value: The carol serves as an educational tool, introducing children to concepts of cultural heritage, music history, and the significance of seasonal traditions. It allows for discussions about the evolution of holiday practices and the blending of cultural influences.

In summary, O Christmas Tree is important as a beloved holiday song and a cultural artifact that reflects historical traditions, symbolism, and the spirit of Christmas.

SKU: A0.1505206

The Coventry Carol is an essential and historically significant English Christmas carol with several notable aspects:

Origins and History
It originated in the 16th century in Coventry, England.
The carol was part of a medieval mystery play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors.
It was performed annually by local trade guilds as part of religious community events that told Bible stories.

Unique Subject Matter
Unlike most Christmas carols, it does not celebrate the birth of Jesus but instead commemorates the Massacre of the Innocents.
The lyrics are from the perspective of mothers in Bethlehem mourning their children who are about to be killed by King Herod's soldiers.

Musical Characteristics
It has a haunting, plaintive melody in a minor key, which adds to its somber mood.
The original medieval melody has been lost, but the current tune dates back to at least 1591.

Historical Preservation
The carol narrowly survived being lost to history. The original manuscript was destroyed in a fire in 1879 but was preserved thanks to earlier transcriptions by scholars. It gained renewed popularity after being broadcast from the bombed ruins of Coventry Cathedral in 1940 during World War II.

Cultural Impact
While not as widely known as some carols, it remains an important part of English Christmas musical traditions.
Its poignant lyrics and melody have made it a powerful and moving piece for many listeners.

Thus, The Coventry Carol represents an important piece of medieval English musical and theatrical history and a unique perspective on the Christmas story that has endured for centuries.

SKU: A0.1489644

Deck the Halls is a traditional Christmas carol with a rich history and cultural significance:

Origin and Melody: The melody of Deck the Halls is derived from a Welsh tune called Nos Galan, which dates back to at least the 16th century. The carol's melody was initially associated with Welsh New Year's Eve celebrations.

Lyrics: The English lyrics were written by Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant in 1862. These lyrics were published alongside the original Welsh lyrics in a collection of Welsh melodies.

Cultural Context: Originally, Nos Galan was a competitive Welsh drinking song. Participants would take turns singing verses around a fire during New Year's Eve gatherings. The transition from a New Year's song to a Christmas carol occurred when the English lyrics were adapted to focus on Christmas themes.

Meaning and Usage: The phrase deck the halls means to decorate for Christmas, traditionally with boughs of holly and other festive adornments. The term deck in this context means to decorate or adorn, and it is derived from the Middle Dutch word dekken, meaning to cover.

Variations and Adaptations: Over time, the lyrics have been adapted in various ways, including changing the words to reflect different cultural or religious contexts, such as replacing Christmas with Yule or Yuletide.

Overall, Deck the Halls is a beloved carol that combines elements of Welsh tradition with Victorian-era English lyrics, celebrating the festive spirit of the holiday season.

SKU: A0.1498820

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly is an important Christmas carol with several notable aspects:

Origins and History.
This carol originated as a Polish Christmas hymn from the 16th century called W ??obie Le?y. It is believed to have been written by Piotr Pow?ski, a Polish Jesuit priest and preacher born in 1532. Edith Margaret Gellibrand Reed, who discovered it in a Polish hymnal published in 1908, later translated it into English in 1920.

Musical Characteristics
The carol exemplifies some typical features of Polish religious songs:
Strophic form
Monophonic melody
Asymmetrical time signatures
Ambiguous modality that shifts between major, minor, and modal qualities
These musical elements give the carol a distinctive Polish flavor while still accessible to English-speaking audiences.

Lyrical Content
The lyrics poetically describe the nativity scene, contrasting Christ's humble birth circumstances with his divine nature:
First Verse:
Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the babe is Lord of all.
This verse emphasizes the paradox of the incarnation - the Lord of all creation born in a lowly stable.

Cultural Significance
As one of the few Polish carols widely known in English, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly is an essential cultural bridge. It introduces English-speaking audiences to the rich tradition of Polish Christmas music, known as kol?dy. The carol's popularity helps preserve and share an aspect of Polish Christmas traditions internationally. In summary, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly is important for its historical origins, distinctive musical qualities, poetic lyrics, and role in sharing Polish Christmas culture with a broader audience.

SKU: A0.722482

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly is an old 16th Century English carol. It is traditionally sung at Christmas and New Year, and for carol singing around the town it is a great favourite.
For 2 Violins, Viola (or 3 Violins) and Cello.

Arranged by Anne L Christopherson GRSM ARCM at www.music-scores.com

SKU: A0.835529

We Wish You A Merry Christmas is an old 16th Century Christmas carol.  The tradition of carolers being handed treats for their singing to the wealthy is reflected in this Christmas carol.

Music does not have to be difficult to sound good. If you are looking for something playable and full sounding you found it in this string orchestra series for young players composed by a retired music teacher who actually worked with young players. Written for Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello and String Bass with full score. There can be as little as one player per part or placing numerous players on each part will produce a bigger and fuller sound. Even advanced players will find these pieces fun to play. These compositions contain flowing melodies with unique harmonies, easy key signatures and have generated great audience appeal. Counterpoint is also incorporated into many of the compositions. Bow markings are indicated. Enjoy these pieces along with your students and audience.

SKU: A0.962870

This is the traditional English tune from the 16th century in a fairly easy yet elegant arrangement for string quartet.  This would work for a church service, school concert or recital, Christmas party, or any general entertainment.  This runs about 2:45.