It is a cummulative song that builts on top of the previous verses. There are twelve verses, each describing a gift given by "my true love" on one of the twelve days of Christmas. As variations built up over the piece, it is thus necessary for the time signature NOT to be consistent, and that's why it can be a really fun piece to do if you add in your creativity, as with the example below. This is one of the most outstanding performance of this traditional carol.
The evolution of classical music, the lost art form
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Christmas Carol (2) - 12 Days of Christmas
It is interesting how a traditional English Madrigal (some claims it is actually French) can evolved over the centuries. I believe this is a light piece that depicts the Twelve Days of Christmas are the festive days beginning Christmas Day to Twelve-tide (5 January).
It is a cummulative song that builts on top of the previous verses. There are twelve verses, each describing a gift given by "my true love" on one of the twelve days of Christmas. As variations built up over the piece, it is thus necessary for the time signature NOT to be consistent, and that's why it can be a really fun piece to do if you add in your creativity, as with the example below. This is one of the most outstanding performance of this traditional carol.
It is a cummulative song that builts on top of the previous verses. There are twelve verses, each describing a gift given by "my true love" on one of the twelve days of Christmas. As variations built up over the piece, it is thus necessary for the time signature NOT to be consistent, and that's why it can be a really fun piece to do if you add in your creativity, as with the example below. This is one of the most outstanding performance of this traditional carol.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Christmas Carol (1) - Sleigh Ride
A popular light orchestral piece composed by Leroy Anderson in 1948.
Although "Sleigh Ride" is often associated with Christmas, there were doubts whether it was originally meant for Christmas. Apparently, the mention of "pumpkin pie" in the last verse might suggest Thanksgiving instead?
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling 'Yoo-hoo.'
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,
Let's go, Let's look at the show,
We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,
It's grand, Just holding your hand,
We're gliding along with a song
Of a wintry fairy land.
Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together
Like two birds of a feather would be.
Let's take that road before us
And sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
There's a birthday party
At the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs
We love to sing without a single stop,
At the fireplace while we watch
The chestnuts pop.
Pop pop pop.
Although "Sleigh Ride" is often associated with Christmas, there were doubts whether it was originally meant for Christmas. Apparently, the mention of "pumpkin pie" in the last verse might suggest Thanksgiving instead?
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling
Ring ting tingling too.
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
Ring ting tingling too.
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling 'Yoo-hoo.'
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,
Let's go, Let's look at the show,
We're riding in a wonderland of snow.
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,
It's grand, Just holding your hand,
We're gliding along with a song
Of a wintry fairy land.
Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together
Like two birds of a feather would be.
Let's take that road before us
And sing a chorus or two
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
There's a birthday party
At the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs
We love to sing without a single stop,
At the fireplace while we watch
The chestnuts pop.
Pop pop pop.
There's a happy feeling
Nothing in the world can buy,
When they pass around the chocolate
And the pumpkin pie
It'll nearly be like a picture print
By Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things
We remember all through our lives.
Nothing in the world can buy,
When they pass around the chocolate
And the pumpkin pie
It'll nearly be like a picture print
By Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things
We remember all through our lives.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Medival Period - Benedicamus Domino
This is an excellent example of a medival piece that uses the Dorian mode of composition. This is a monophonic plainsong, which was then used as a Cantus Firmus for polyphonic arrangements.
This recent recording and arrangement of this piece in 4 voices, each imitating one another at different timings. Great arrangements, truly angelic!
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