Welcome to the WEJB/NSU 15th Annual Afterlife Christmas Party, with der Bingle, Sinatra, Judy, Nat King Cole, Perrala, Tony Bennett, et al., Starting Off with "White Christmas" Times Two!

Welcome to the WEJB/NSU 14th Annual Afterlife Christmas Party, with der Bingle, Sinatra, Judy, Nat King Cole, Perrala, Tony Bennett, et al., Starting Off with "White Christmas" Times Two!

[Originally produced on Christmas Day, 2010.]

Christmas Day, 2019:

Our newest additions come at the very beginning, and the very end: The original version of Bing Crosby singing Irving “Irvie” Berlin’s “White Christmas,” and the full album of Carols from King’s: The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge.


Christmas Day, 2018:

For this year, we had to find an alternate Youtube page with Andreas Bocelli’s great live version of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” and Perry “Perrila” Como came back down from heaven, in order to thwart the KK.

Sometimes you have to leave a few seconds for everything to download, but everything should play. If something fails, or has been KK’d, please let me know!


Christmas Day, 2017:

This year, I’m fighting on two fronts. One is the usual one, where the Kopyright Kops attack and force the removal of music videos from Youtube. The other is a new front opened up by none other than Google itself, aka Youtube.

Google owns both Youtube and Blogger (i.e., this blog). Thus, anytime someone posts a video on Youtube, Youtube and Google get all the ad money and page views. Likewise, anytime I (or any other blogger) post Youtube -hosted videos to my blogs, Google and Youtube get all the ad money and page views. But that wasn’t enough for the Princes of Darkness. Thus have they sabotaged their own blogs, by making it impossible in most or all cases to watch videos from peoples’ Google blogs. Thus, you will have to constantly hit a second button on each (or virtually every) video here, and listen at Youtube.

Thus, I have taken the precaution of finding and linking to an hour-long Bing Crosby Christmas album. That way, you won’t have to constantly go back and forth… I hope.


Christmas Day, 2016: Merry Christmas! Come on Over, to the Seventh Annual WEJB/NSU Christmas Concert! Everyone’s Here—Sinatra, Ella, Judy Garland, der Bingle, Rosie, et al.!


Christmas Day, 2015:

Come and enjoy the world’s greatest singers, some still with us, and others on loan from Heaven, Purgatory, and … wherever!

In my annual travails with the “KK,” I had to find replacements for Nat King Cole singing “Christmas Song” live, the Vienna Boys’ Choir singing “The Little Drummer Boy” live, and Bing Crosby singing “Silent Night.”

I was able to find an exquisite version of “I Wonder as I Wander,” arranged by John Rutter, and performed by the Cambridge Singers, which I find the most moving carol of them all, without losing the two versions I had last year.

And most importantly, I had to replace Andrea Bocelli’s sublime singing of “Angels We Have Heard on High.” The live versions still available have poor audio quality, and so the new version is a studio recording. Maybe next year. [2018: I found a good quality video the KK have yet to confiscate!]



Christmas Day, 2014:

The Kopyright Kops and Youtube forced me to find new videos of Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and Nat Cole singing “Christmas Song” (two different versions!).
 

P.P.S. Christmas, 2013

We have nine new performances this year, and so far have lost only one of the older ones to the copyright cops. Kristin Chenoweth is visiting us, singing “The Christmas Waltz,” Ella Fitzgerald is giving us “Sleigh Ride,” Dean Martin is crooning “Let It Snow!,” Johnny Mathis is doing his famous rendition of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” the Harry Simeone Chorale performs “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” Andrea Bocelli and a heavenly choir sing “Angels We Have Heard on High” and, finally, Perry Como has dropped in to give not one but three very different versions of his standard, “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays.”

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!
 

Christmas Day, 2012:

Ideally, you have a thingamajig to pipe these videos into your TV screen, and can settle back on your living room couch with blankets, cozy with your loved ones, with mugs of hot chocolate or real egg nog within reach. Or maybe you’re like me, sitting in front of a little computer screen, with a kid almost as big [2013: now bigger!] as you are sitting on your lap, cutting off the circulation to your thigh. (I can no longer imagine not having a kid sitting on my lap, cutting off the circulation to my thigh, no matter how big he gets!)

Whatever your station, I hope that you can put your cares away for as long as you watch these videos. The lyrics follow each song. [2013: There was no time for lyric-hunting this year for the new ones.]

The concert’s first act consists of popular, modern Christmas songs; the second of traditional, religious songs.

With best holiday wishes,

Nicholas Stix
 

P.S. Christmas, 2012

This year’s production contains a new version of der Bingle singing “White Christmas,” as the older version had a commercial that ran 62 seconds and, for the first time, includes “Carol of the Bells.”

I had to replace many of the previous recordings, due to the copyright cops, but I am also pleased to announce that there is one other huge, surprise addition this year—but it’s not likely to remain available for long!

In case anyone is wondering why there are so many performances by Bing Crosby—that man was just born to sing Christmas music! I wish I had more of his recordings!

Enjoy!

* * *
Der Bingle: “White Christmas,” Original Version (Bing Crosby)
Re-posted by Nicholas Stix


Bing Crosby - "White Christmas" (1950) Unfortunately, the kk came and got the feller who had posted the original verion of this Yuletide classic, and got rid of him and the video. Thus, the following versions will have to do, until the real thing comes along.



"White Christmas" Clip | Paramount Movies

Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of White Christmas

"'White Christmas' spins the romantic and humorous tale of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye), two Army buddies who became a top-notch musical comedy team after the war and are now the toast of Broadway. While on the road in Florida, the stars become involved with twe aspiring singers, the sister act of Betty and Judy (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen). Despite some romantic complications between the couples, everything ends on a happy note when Christmas Eve brings rave reviews for the show and much-needed snowfall!" "Featuring: Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Vera Ellen, Danny Kaye, Dean Jagger, Mary Wickes, John Brascia, Anne Whitfield, Herb Vigran and Grady Sutton"



White Christmas
Words and Music by Irving Berlin

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know,
Where the treetops glisten,
And children listen,
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
With every Christmas card I write,
May your days be merry and bright,
And may all your Christmases be white.

[Bridge]

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,
With every Christmas card I write,
May your days be merry and bright,
And may all your Christmases be white.
 

Thanks to Christmas Carols/UK.

N.S.: During The War, Bing Crosby was the world’s most popular singer. Crosby was dubbed “der Bingle,” as a way of mocking Hitler, who was called “der Führer” (the leader) in Germany.
 

Hear Three Versions of Mel Torme and Robert Wells' "Christmas Song": Two by Nat King Cole, and One on Live TV by a Judy Garland Who was Three Sheets to the Wind, and Torme (Videos)

"Christmas Song": Judy Garland & Mel Torme
 


 

In case you’re wondering, and I’m sure you are, I don’t have a video of Nat Cole singing “Christmas Song,” because his heirs have made it impossible. “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by King Cole Partners, LP.
Sorry about that.”

[Christmas, 2015: The KK deleted my previous live version of Cole singing “Christmas Song,” but I was able to find a not-yet-deleted upload today.]
 

"Christmas Song"
By Mel Torme and Robert Wells

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe,
Help to make the season bright,
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa’s on his way,
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh,
And every mother’s child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I’m offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although it’s been said many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas … to you.

[Bridge]

They know that Santa’s on his way,
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh,
And every mother’s child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I’m offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although it’s been said many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas … to you.
 

Nat King Cole: Christmas Song (Live TV Performance, Circa 1959)




Nat King Cole: Christmas Song (Classic Recorded Version)



Thanks to
LadyMyrddin.

(Christmas, 2014: Download these, while you can, kiddies. I hear a siren just down the street. It’s … the ... Kopyright Kops!)

Thanks to argirenios.
 

 

Bing Crosby: Christmas Songs (Full Album)


“White Christmas”

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

“Jingle Bells”

“Silent Night”

“Adeste fideles”

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Bing Crosby/The Andrews Sisters: “Mele Kalikimaka”

Bing Crosby/Sonny Burke: “Looks Like a Cold, Cold Winter”

Bing Crosby/Victor Young: “‘O Fir Tree Dark”

Bing Crosby/Carol Richards (?): “Silver Bells”

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”

Bing Crosby, The Music Maids: “Happy Holiday”

Bing Crosby/Peggy Lee: “Little Jack Frost, Get Lost”

“I’ll be Home for Christmas”

“Christmas is a-Comin’”

That Christmas Feelin’

“Faith of Our Fathers”

Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Peggy Lee and Trudy Stevens: “Snow”

“Christmas in Killarney”

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

“The First Snowfall”

“The First Noël”

“Sleigh Ride in July”

“Come, O Ye Faithful”

Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters: “Twelve Days of Christmas”

“Count Your Blessings”

Medley: “Deck the Halls”/“Away in a Manger”/“Little Town of Bethlehem”/“The First Noël”

Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters: “Poppa Santa Claus”

White Christmas
Words and Music by Irving Berlin

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know,
Where the treetops glisten,
And children listen,
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
With every Christmas card I write,
May your days be merry and bright,
And may all your Christmases be white.

[Bridge]

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
With every Christmas card I write,
May your days be merry and bright,
And may all your Christmases be white.
 

Thanks to Christmas Carols/UK.

* * * 

Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season: Andy Williams
 


 

Lyrics and music for “Happy Holiday” by Irving Berlin
Music and lyrics for “The Holiday Season” by Kay Thompson

Happy holiday,
Happy holiday,
While the merry bells keep ringing,
May your every wish come true.

Happy holiday,
Happy holiday,
May the calendar keep bringing,
Happy holidays to you.

It’s the holiday season,
And Santa Claus is coming back,
The Christmas snow is white on the ground,
When old Santa gets into town,
He’ll be coming down the chimney, down,
Coming down the chimney, down.

It’s the holiday season,
And Santa Claus has got a toy,
For every good girl and good little boy,
He’s a great big bundle of joy,
He’ll be coming down the chimney, down,
Coming down the chimney, down.

He’ll have a big fat pack upon his back,
And lots of goodies for you and for me,
So leave a peppermint stick for old St. Nick,
Hanging on the Christmas tree.

It’s the holiday season,
With the whoop-de-do and hickory dock,
And don’t forget to hang up your sock,
‘Cause just exactly at 12 o’clock,
He’ll be coming down the chimney,
Coming down the chimney,
Coming down the chimney, down!

Happy holiday,
Happy holiday,
While the merry bells keep bringing,
Happy holidays to you.

Happy holiday,
Happy holiday,
May the calendar keep bringing,
Happy holidays to you,
To you … happy holiday (repeats to fade).

Thanks to USAirwaysPilotA330.

* * * 

Ella Fitzgerald: "Sleigh Ride"

 

Merry Christmas, Darling: Karen Carpenter
 


 

Merry Christmas, Darling

Greeting cards have all been sent,
The Christmas rush is through,
But I still have one wish to make,
A special one for you.

Merry Christmas, darling,
We’re apart, that’s true,
But I can dream and in my dreams,
I’m Christmas-ing with you.

Holidays are joyful,
There’s always something new,
But every day’s a holiday,
When I’m near to you.

The lights on my tree,
I wish you could see,
I wish it every day,
Logs on the fire,
Fill me with desire,
To see you and to say:

That I wish you Merry Christmas,
Happy New Year, too,
I’ve just one wish,
On this Christmas Eve,
I wish I were with you.

[Bridge]

Logs on the fire,
Fill me with desire,
To see you and to say,
That I wish you Merry Christmas,
Happy New Year, too,
I’ve just one wish,
On this Christmas Eve,
I wish I were with you,
I wish I were with you.

Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas … Darling.

Thanks to SharonTG and Romantic Lyrics.

* * * 

Thanks to NuovaCanaria for the upload.
 

* * * 

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Andy Williams
 


 

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's the most wonderful time of the year,
With the kids jingle-belling,
And everyone telling you,
Be of good cheer,
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

It’s the hap-happiest season of all,
With those holiday greetings,
And great happy meetings,
When friends come to call,
It’s the hap-happiest season of all.

There’ll be parties for hosting,
Marshmallows for roasting,
And caroling out in the snow,
There’ll be scary ghost stories,
And tales of the glories,
Of Christmases long, long ago.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year,
There be much mistletoe-ing,
And hearts will be glowing,
When loved ones are near,
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Woah, there’ll be parties for hosting,
Marshmallows for roasting,
And caroling out in the snow,
There’ll be scary ghost stories,
And tales of the glories,
Of Christmases long, long ago.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year,
There be much mistletoe-ing,
And hearts will be glowing,
When loved ones are near,
It’s the most wonderful time,
It’s the most wonderful time,
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
 

Thanks to claudettecolbert60 and Cowboy Lyrics.
 

* * * 

Dean Martin: Let It Snow!
 

 

Thanks to Kyle Wolfreys for the upload.

* * * 

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: Johnny Mathis
 

 

Thanks to Halerman444 for the upload.
 

* * * 

How are Things in Glocca Morra?: Kate Baldwin in Finian’s Rainbow
 


 

(To those who may ask what this song has to do with Christmas: All I know is that when I was a wee lad, it wasn’t Christmas, until you heard Ella Logan (also here) of the original, 1947 Broadway cast singing “How are Things in Glocca Morra?” on a Christmas special, or on the Ed Sullivan Show.)
 

How are things in Glocca Morra?
Music by Burton Lane
Lyrics by E.Y. “Yip” Harburg

How are things in Glocca Morra?
Is that little brook still leaping there?
Does it still run down to Donny cove?
Through Killybegs, Kilkerry, and Kildare?

How are things in Glocca Morra?
Is that willow tree still weeping there?
Does that laddie with the twinklin' eye
Come whistlin' by,
And does he walk away,
Sad and dreamy there, not to see me there?

So I ask each weepin' willow,
And each brook along the way,
And each lad that comes a-whistlin,'
Tooralay.

How are things in Glocca Morra,
This fine day?
 

Thanks to FiniansRainbowBway and St L Lyrics.
 

* * * 

Silver Bells: Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney


 

Thanks to SuperLivija.
 

* * * 

Silver Bells
By Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks,
Dressed in holiday style,
In the air there's a feeling
Of Christmas,
Children laughing, people passing,
Meeting smile after smile,
And on every street corner you'll hear.

Silver bells,
Silver bells,
It's Christmas time in the city,
Ring-a-ling,
Hear them ring,
Soon it will be Christmas Day.

Strings of streetlights, even stoplights,
Blink of bright red and green,
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures,
Hear the snow crunch,
See the kids bunch,
This is Santa's big scene,
And above all the bustle you'll hear.

Silver bells,
Silver bells,
It's Christmas time in the city,
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,
Soon it will be Christmas Day,
Soon it will be Christmas Day.
 

Thanks to rflowers57 and Cowboy Lyrics

* * * 

Three Two One Different Versions Version of “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays” by Perry Como
 


There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays: Perry Como (1954)
 

 


Published on Oct 4, 2013

(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays (Stillman-Allen) by Perry Como, orchestra and chorus conducted by Mitchell Ayres

Here is Perry’s original feel-good 1954 Christmas hit. In 1959, RCA Victor had him record a newly-arranged “replacement” stereo version that dropped the brassy big band open in favor of a more low-key intro. For decades, that was the only one that RCA would issue on its various holiday music compilations.

The 1954 HITS ARCHIVE - here in one place, a high-quality library of best-sellers and songs that made an impact, presented in clean, original-release versions (no remakes, alternate takes, or “re-processed stereo”)
 

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays: Perry Como (1959)

 

Thanks to ChristmasTimeTV for the upload.
 

Uploaded on Dec 1, 2010

“(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” is a popular song, commonly associated with the Christmas season although the lyrics are more applicable to the Thanksgiving holidays. The music was written by Robert Allen, the lyrics by Al Stillman. The song was published in 1954. The best-known recordings were made by Perry Como, who recorded the song twice. The first recording, done on November 16, 1954, was released as a single for Christmas, 1954, by RCA (catalog number 20-5950-B on 78rpm and 47-5950-B on 45rpm). Como’s second recording of the song, in stereo and with a different musical arrangement, was made on July 15, 1959. It was released as a 33rpm single (RCA catalog # VP-2066)

Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays,
‘Cause no matter how far away you roam,
When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze,
For the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home.

I met a man who lives in Tennessee, he was heading for
Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie,
From Pennsylvania, folks are travelling,
Down to Dixie’s sunny shore,
From Atlantic to Pacific,
Gee, the traffic is terrific.

Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays,
‘Cause no matter how far away you roam,
If you want to be happy in a million ways,
For the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home.

Take a bus, take a train,
Go and hop an aeroplane,
Put the wife and kiddies in the family car,
For the pleasure that you bring,
When you make that doorbell ring,
No trip could be too far.

I met a man who lives in Tennessee, he was heading for
Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie (some pumpkin pie),
From Pennsylvania, folks are travelling,
Down to Dixie’s sunny shore,
From Atlantic to Pacific,
Gee, the traffic is terrific.

Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays,
‘Cause no matter how far away you roam,
If you want to be happy in a million ways,
For the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home,
For the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home.
 

* * * 

Angels We Have Heard on High: Andrea Bocelli, David Foster, and Choir (Italian and English)

 

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.

Glo-o-o-o-oria!
In excelsis Deo,
Glo-o-o-o-oria!
In excelsis Deo.

Come to Bethlehem and see,
Christ whose birth the angels sing,
Come adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Glo-o-o-o-oria!
In excelsis Deo,
Glo-o-o-o-oria!
In excelsis Deo.

See him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise,
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.

Glo-o-o-o-oria!
In excelsis Deo,
Glo-o-o-o-oria!
In excelsis Deo!
 

Thanks to cowboylyrics.
 

Uploaded on Mar 13, 2011

In 2009, Andrea Bocelli and David Foster collaborated to produce a Christmas album with a number of other music legends. This is “Angels We Have Heard on High” with choir and orchestra.

This YouTube version was ripped and uploaded directly from the raw DVD VOB files, which means quality should be higher than other YouTube versions.

You can get the album from any of the links below:

- My Christmas: Amazon MP3 downloads: http://amzn.to/dUrI5V
- My Christmas: Amazon CD: http://amzn.to/h3qyw5
- My Christmas: Deluxe CD and DVD combo: http://amzn.to/g4qgaT
- My Christmas: DVD: http://amzn.to/hr2Jqg
 

Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes
(Original, French Version)
 


 

Thanks to lamagiedenoel [LMDN] for the upload.
 

Uploaded on Oct 30, 2008

Chant de Noël - Les Anges dans nos Campagnes par les Petits chanteurs à la Croix de Bois
Montage vidéo : la Magie de Noël (LMDN)
 

Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes – Paroles de chansons de noel
[The Angels in Our Campaign – Lyrics to the Christmas Carol]

Les anges dans nos campagnes ont entonné l’hymne des cieux
Et l’écho de nos montagnes redit ce chant mélodieux
Glo______________________ria in excelsis Deo !
Glo______________________ria in excelsis De____o !
Bergers, pour qui cette fête quel est l’objet de tous ces chants?
Quel vainqueur, quelle conquête mérite ces cris triomphants?

REFRAIN

Déjà les concerts des anges et les Hymnes des chérubins
Occupés de vos louanges ont appris à dire aux humains

REFRAIN

Il est né, le Dieu de gloire terre, tressaille de bonheur
Que tes hymnes de victoire chantent, célèbrent ton Sauveur!
 

* * * 

Do You Hear What I Hear? The Harry Simeone Chorale
 

Unfortunately, der Bingle, whose performance was previously on this spot, was taken into custody by the copyright cops, but my son found this lovely version, in its place.
 


 

Thanks to MagicMaker7 for the upload.
 
Do You Hear What I Hear?

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
“Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star, dancing in the night,
With a tail as big as a kite,
With a tail as big as a kite.”

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
“Do you hear what I hear?
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear?
A song, a song, high above the trees,
With a voice as big as the sea,
With a voice as big as the sea.”

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
“Do you know what I know?
In your palace warm, mighty king,
Do you know what I know?
A child, a child shivers in the cold—
Let us bring him silver and gold,
Let us bring him silver and gold.”

Said the king to the people everywhere,
“Listen to what I say!
Pray for peace, people, everywhere,
Listen to what I say!
The child, the child sleeping in the night,
He will bring us goodness and light,
He will bring us goodness and light.”
 

Thanks to 6891man and Christmas World.
 

* * * 

Little Drummer Boy: Vienna Boys Choir
 


 

Little Drummer Boy
By Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum,
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum,
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum,
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum,
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum,
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum,
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum,
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum,
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum,
Me and my drum.
 

Thanks to lullubelle2 and Christmas Carols/UK.
 

* * * 
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Judy Garland in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
 


 

Thanks to PakoChile.

 
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
By Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light,
From now on,
Our troubles will be out of sight.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
Our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are, as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore,
Faithful friends who are dear to us,
Gather near to us, once more.

Through the years,
We all will be together,
If the fates allow,
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough,
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

[Bridge]

Here we are, as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore,
Faithful friends who are dear to us,
Gather near to us, once more.

Through the years,
We all will be together,
If the fates allow,
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough,
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
 

Thanks to Christmas Carols/UK.
 

* * * 

Sinatra: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Remastered)

 

Christmas Song: Judy Garland & Mel Torme
 


 

In case you’re wondering, and I’m sure you are, I don’t have a video of Nat Cole singing “Christmas Song,” because his heirs have made it impossible. “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by King Cole Partners, LP.
Sorry about that.”

[Christmas, 2015: The KK deleted my previous live version of Cole singing “Christmas Song,” but I was able to find a not-yet-deleted upload today.
 

Christmas Song
By Mel Torme and Robert Wells

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows, a turkey and some mistletoe,
Help to make the season bright,
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa’s on his way,
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh,
And every mother’s child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I’m offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although it’s been said many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas … to you.

[Bridge]

They know that Santa’s on his way,
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh,
And every mother’s child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I’m offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although it’s been said many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas … to you.
 

Nat King Cole: Christmas Song (Live TV Performance, Circa 1959)
 


 

Nat King Cole: Christmas Song (Classic Recorded Version)
 



Thanks to
LadyMyrddin.

(Christmas, 2014: Download these, while you can, kiddies. I hear a siren just down the street. It’s … the ... Kopyright Kops!)

Thanks to argirenios.
 

* * * 

Here We Come A-Caroling/We Wish You a Merry Christmas: Perry Como & Co.
 



 

Uploaded on Dec 1, 2010 by ChistmasTimeTV.
 


Here We Come A-Caroling
(The Wassail Song) – Traditional
The wassail bowl was a combination of hot ale or beer, spices, and mead, alcoholic enough to warm a cold caroler.

Here we come a-caroling among the leaves so green,
Here we come a-wand’ring so fair to be seen,
Love and joy come to you,
And to you glad Christmas too,
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

We are not daily beggars that beg from door to door,
But we are neighbors’ children whom you have seen before,
Love and joy come to you,
And to you glad Christmas too,
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

God bless the master of this house, likewise the mistress too,
And all the little children that round the table go,
Love and joy come to you,
And to you glad Christmas, too,
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.
 

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin,
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding,
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding,
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer.

We won’t go until we get some,
We won’t go until we get some,
We won’t go until we get some, so bring some out here.

We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 

Thanks to ElRadioLatina, Butler Webs Christmas Carols, and Christmas Carols/UK.
 

* * * 

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
 

This spot was previously held by Bing Crosby, singing a medley of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear: Bing Crosby,” but the copyright cops came along at some point over the past year, handcuffed der Bingle, and hauled him off to gaol.
 


 

Thanks to The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
 

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Words by Charles Wesley
Music by Felix Mendelssohn

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled,”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies,
With the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Christ by highest heaven adored,
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a Virgin's womb,
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled,”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies,
With the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings,
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth;
Born to give them second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled,”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies,
With the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
 

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Edmund Hamilton Sears

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men
From heavens all gracious King!”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats,
O’er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains,
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds,
The blessed angels sing.

O ye beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way,
With painful steps and slow,
Look now, for glad and golden hours,
Come swiftly on the wing,
Oh rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years,
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own,
The Prince of Peace, their King,
And the whole world send back the song,
Which now the angels sing.
 

Thanks to newfilmscjc40, Butler Webs Christmas Carols, and Christmas Carols/UK.
 

* * * 

I Wonder as I Wander: The John Brown University Choir
 


 

(Yes, the video looks awful, and the mike needed to be closer, but bear with it. The soprano sings like an angel and, as Maureen Hegarty and Barbra Streisand’s versions make all too clear, this song requires a soprano.)
 

I Wonder as I Wander

I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die,
For poor on’ry people like you and like I,
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus ‘twas in a cow’s stall,
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all,
But high from God’s heaven, a star’s light did fall,
And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
A star in the sky or a bird on the wing,
Or all of God’s Angels in heaven to sing,
He surely could have it, ‘cause he was the King.

I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die,
For poor on’ry people like you and like I,
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
 

Thanks to jernigana and Oldie Lyrics.


The Cambridge Singers: I Wonder as I Wander (Directed by John Rutter)




(Tuesday, December 26, 2017, 3:32 p.m.: I just found this version on Youtube. The KK had shut down the Rutter-directed version I’d posted only two years ago.)
 

Silent Night: Bing Crosby
 


 

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon’ Virgin Mother and Child,
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing, Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior is born,
Christ, the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light,
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
 

Thanks to bigwallypants and Christmas Carols/UK.
 

* * * 

Deck the Halls: Bing Crosby
 


 


Deck the Halls
By Sonal Panse

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la,
'Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la,
Don we now our gay apparel,
Fa la la la la, la la la la,
Troll the ancient Yultide carol,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la,
Strike the harp and join the chorus,
Fa la la la la, la la la la,
Follow me in merry measure,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la,
While I tell of Yuletide's treasure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes,
Fa la la la la, la la la la,
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous all together,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la,
Heedless of the wind and weather.
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
 

Thanks to bigwallypants and Christmas Carols/UK.
 

* * * 

Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
 


 

Thanks to Mormon Channel for the upload.
 

Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie,
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep,
The silent stars go by,
Yet in thy dark streets shineth,
The everlasting light,
The hopes and fears of all the years,
Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep,
Their watch of wondering love,
O morning stars together,
Proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts,
The blessings of His heaven,
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray,
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born to us today,
We hear the Christmas angels,
The great glad tidings tell,
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel.
 

Thanks to Christmas Carols/UK.
 

* * * 

O Come, All Ye Faithful: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

 

 

Thanks to Mormon Channel.
 

O Come, All Ye Faithful

O Come, All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

O Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the Highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
 

Thanks to MormonChristmas and Christmas Carols/UK.
 

* * * 

Ave Maria Prayer : The Latin text of the Ave Maria prayer


Ave Maria Gratia plena
Maria Gratia plena
Maria Gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum

Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tui Jesus

Ave Maria
Ave Maria Mater dei
Ora pro nobis pecatoribus
Ora, ora pro nobis
Ora ora pro nobis pecatoribus

Nunc et in hora mortis
In hora mortis, mortis nostrae
In hora mortis nostrae
Ave Maria!
 

Ave Maria
German [?] translation by Adam Storck from
“The Lady of the Lake” by Sir Walter Scott

Ave Maria! Ave Maria! Maiden mild!
Listen to a maiden’s prayer!
Thou canst hear though from the wild,
Thou canst save amid despair.
Safe may we sleep beneath thy care,
Though banish’d, outcast and reviled -
Maiden! hear a maiden's prayer;
Mother, hear a suppliant child!
Ave Maria!

Ave Maria! undefiled!
The flinty couch we now must share
Shall seem this down of eider piled,
If thy protection hover there.
The murky cavern's heavy air
Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled;
Then, Maiden! Hear a maiden’s prayer;
Mother, list a suppliant child!
Ave Maria!

Ave Maria! Stainless styled!
Foul demons of the earth and air,
From this their wonted haunt exiled,
Shall flee before thy presence fair.
We bow us to our lot of care,
Beneath thy guidance reconciled;
Hear for a maid a maiden’s prayer,
And for a father hear a child!
Ave Maria!
Ave Maria!

German translation by Adam Storck from
“The Lady of the Lake” by Sir Walter Scott

Thanks to Daishi001 and Christmas Carols/UK
 

* * * 

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen: Bing Crosby
 


 

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

In Bethlehem, in Israel,
This blessed Babe was born,
And laid within a manger,
Upon this blessed morn,
The which His Mother Mary,
Did nothing take in scorn,
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our Heavenly Father,
A blessed Angel came,
And unto certain Shepherds,
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born,
The Son of God by Name,
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

“Fear not then,” said the Angel,
“Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour,
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him,
From Satan’s power and might,”
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

The shepherds at those tidings,
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding,
In tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethlehem straightway,
The Son of God to find,
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

And when they came to Bethlehem,
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay,
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray,
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood,
Each other now embrace,
This holy tide of Christmas,
All other doth deface,
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
 

Thanks to ChristmasJingleBells and Christmas Carols/UK
 

* * * 

Good King Wenceslas: York Minster 1995 Choir and Soloists
 


 

Good King Wenceslas

Good King Wenceslas looked out,
On the feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
Deep and crisp and even,
Brightly shone the moon that night,
Though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
Gath’ring winter fuel.

“Hither, page, and stand by me,
If thou know’st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence,
Underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence,
By Saint Agnes’ fountain.”

“Bring me flesh and bring me wine,
Bring me pine logs hither,
Thou and I will see him dine,
When we bear him thither.”
Page and monarch forth they went,
Forth they went together,
Through the rude wind’s wild lament,
And the bitter weather.

“Sire, the night is darker now,
And the wind blows stronger,
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page,
Tread thou in them boldly,
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage,
Freeze thy blood less coldly.”

In his master’s steps he trod,
Where the snow lay dinted,
Heat was in the very sod,
Which the Saint had printed,
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
Wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor,
Shall yourselves find blessing.
 

Thanks to notyobs and Christmas Carols/UK.

 

* * * 

Joy to the World: Bing Crosby

 

 

Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King,
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground,
He comes to make His blessings flow,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove,
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
 

Thanks to KatJu1986 and Christmas Carols/UK.
 
* * * 

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Roger Whittaker
 


 

The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!
 

Thanks to healthyhabits007 and Christmas Carols/UK.
 

* * * 

The First Noel
 


 

The First Noel

The First Noel, the Angels did say,
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep,
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star,
Shining in the East beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night,
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star,
Three Wise men came from country far,
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went,
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest,
And there it did both pause and stay,
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay,
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those wise men three,
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense,
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord,
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought,
And with his blood mankind has bought,
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel!
 

Thanks to anime1217 and Christmas Carols/UK.
 
* * * 

The Carol of the Bells: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
 



Thanks to LLSaito.
 

Information, by way of 8Notes.
 
Composed by Unknown
Lyrics by Peter J. Wilhousky

Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells,
All seem to say, throw cares away,
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer,
To young and old, (meek and the bold),
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song,
With joyful ring, (all caroling),
One seems to hear words of good cheer,
From everywhere, (filling the air),
O, how they pound, raising the sound,
O’er hill and dale, telling their tale.

Gaily they ring, while people sing,
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!

On, on they send, on without end,
Their joyful tone to every home,
(Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells,
All seem to say, throw cares away),
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer,
To young and old, (meek and the bold),
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song,
With joyful ring, (all caroling),
One seems to hear words of good cheer,
From everywhere, (filling the air),
O, how they pound, raising the sound,
O'er hill and dale, telling their tale.

Gaily, they ring, while people sing,
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
 

My son just found this for me [2012]. I was tempted to retroactively add it to the Christmas Concert, but instead decided to publish it separately, since otherwise, many readers would miss it until next year. At that time, I’ll add it to the concert.
 

The Artist: Traditional Music of Unknown Author

Composition Date: Unknown

Composition Info: A traditional Ukrainian song, known as “Schedryk.” The legend of the “lastivochka” (“The Swallow”), recounted in a winsome folk song, was given a harmonious arrangement by Mykola Leontovych, and traveled to the United States in 1922 with Alexander Koshetz and the touring Ukrainian National Chorus. American composer Peter J. Wilhousky added new lyrics, upped the tempo, and named the song, “Carol of the Bells.”

* * * 

Carols from King’s – The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge (Full Album)





1,603,252 views
•Dec 19, 2016

The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, is one of the world’s best-known choral groups. Founded in the 15th century, it ranks among the oldest of its kind, and, while originally created for singing the daily services in the college chapel, now enjoys an international tour schedule that has seen it perform all over Europe and beyond. Every Christmas Eve, millions of people tune in to watch the choir’s A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s – a service which has been continuously broadcast since 1928.

Recorded in 1994, this reissue joins the group’s already extensive discography of Christmas music – recordings that have enhanced its worldwide fame and reputation. The compilation mixes some of the best-loved traditionals, including Once in Royal David’s City and O Come All Ye Faithful, with more recent repertoire – such as Rutter’s rousing What Sweeter Music and Judith Weir’s striking Illuminare, Jerusalem (specially commissioned by the choir for its 1985 annual service). Also featured are traditional German, French, Dutch and Polish carols (including two settings of Dulce Jubilo) – works which, together with Pärt’s enchanting Bogoróditse Dyévo, contribute to a wonderfully eclectic disc that provides over an hour of festive cheer.

Tracklist:
00:00:00 Once in Royal David’s City
00:04:41 Rejoice and be Merry
00:06:11 Ding Dong, Merrily on High
00:08:19 What Sweeter Music
00:12:37 O Little Town of Bethlehem
00:16:17 A Spotless Rose
00:19:25 Heer Jezus heeft een hofken (organ variations)
00:26:44 King Jesus Hath a Garden
00:30:10 The Lamb
00:33:39 Bogoróditse Dyévo
00:34:55 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
00:36:43 Illuminare, Jerusalem
00:39:12 While Shepherds Watched
00:41:54 Quittez, pasteurs
00:45:05 In dulci jubilo (organ prelude)
00:48:06 In dulci jubilo
00:50:46 The First Nowell
00:56:09 Coventry Carol
00:59:17 Personent hodie
01:01:49 O Come, All Ye Faithful

Artist: The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge Stephen Cleobury (conductor)
#Christmas #Classical #CarolsfromKings