I sang in the Chorale at Boston College 30 years ago. There was a professional singer (a middle aged woman at the time) who sang solos with us. We were accompanied by members of the Boston Symphony for our orchestra. Anyway - we recorded an album - and on it was a live version of O Holy Night at one of our Christmas concerts. While Tish was singing her solo (with us backing her) I watched as one person after another in the audience wept. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life.
This year, I can't get enough of The Holly and The Ivy. I have no idea why. It just got stuck in my head one day and now I love it.
But my favorite recording ever is Otis Redding's White Christmas. I don't even really like that song that much, but his version is amazing.
I love the holly & the ivy. Also "green grows the holly" attributed to a poem by Henry VIII.
Cherry Tree is one of my favorites. Anonymous 4 has a gorgeous version.
For singing out loud, even though I don't have a great voice, We Three Kings. Although up until last week I thought the line was "westward weaving" because you know, they meandered about a bit.
Not a carol, but Fairytale of New York is probably my favorite pop Christmas song.
I love Christmas music way too much for an atheist who can't carry a tune.
Carol of the Bells. I'm a choir geek, so I love hearing all the distinctive parts.
And, I'm not sure if this counts, but Quincy Jones' Handel's Messiah Hallelujah Chorus. LOVE IT. Plus, we're singing it this morning at church WoooHooo!!!
Post by MixedBerryJam on Dec 25, 2015 9:14:13 GMT -5
I never hear my favorite, unless I play it: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along th'unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head: "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men."
Till, ringing, singing, on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, Of peace on earth, good will to men!
Text: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1882 Music: John Baptiste Calkin, 1827-1905
Oh, I have so many favorites. Yesterday's service was the Lessons and Carols Service and it's one of the best all year. I like Go Tell it on the Mountain, O Holy Night, Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy, O Come All ye faithful. Yesterday the choir did Carol of the Bells, which was awesome. But my favorite favorite is Joy to the World. When I was a kid growing up, it was always the sending song on Christmas Eve. We went to the late service, and it lasted an hour, so when Joy to the World was over, it was Christmas. A guy from church played trumpet with it, I just loved it.