The Christmas season is a joyous time of year for many people around the world. Thoughts turn to Christmas trees, eggnog, gathering around a warm cozy fireplace, singing and playing holiday songs with family and friends. Santa Claus, reindeer, presents under the tree and sugar plum fairies are traditional images for young and old alike.
Festive holiday music brings folks together during this merry season. Many holiday music selections we hear and sing today are secular in nature. It is virtually impossible to go into department stores and other public places during this season and not hear holiday music being played over the loud speakers. The Christmas Song, White Christmas, Sleigh Ride, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, I’ll be Home for Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town are just a few. Oddly enough, Jingle Bells, a song always played at Christmastime was originally written to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Traditional songs, even some without religious themes, are often called Christmas carols. Some of these include Away In a Manger, Deck the Halls, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Joy To the World, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night plus many more.
“Music has become one of the greatest tributes to Christmas and includes some of the noblest compositions of the great musicians,” said Bill Petro, a Christmas music historian. Some of these noteworthy pieces are Arcangelo Corelli’s (1653-1713) Christmas Concerto, subtitled—Fatto per la Notte Di Natale (Made for Christmas Night), J.S. Bach’s (1685-1750) Christmas Oratorio and the most famous one of all, George Frederick Handel’s (1685-1759) Messiah. This great Oratorio has become linked with both Christmas and Easter.
Musicologists can trace the origins of carols back to the Middle Ages in the 13th and 14th centuries. These early carols, with sacred texts, give insight into the different countries and cultures where they originated. The earliest of these were in Latin and were part of the church liturgy.
I urge parents to expose their children to wonderful holiday music, both secular and sacred. Many holiday concerts can be found in every community e.g. choral, band, orchestra, small ensembles and school concerts. The Danville Community Band presents their ninth annual free Christmas Concert for the Tri-Valley area December 13.
Holiday music can create a festive, warm feeling, whether you are wrapping packages, baking Christmas cookies or entertaining family and friends. It helps recall memories of holidays past and puts one in the mood for this wonderful season. Music is an important element for all celebrations of man, especially at this joyous time of year. A Merry, Musical Christmas to all!
Please submit your questions and comments to:
banddirector01@comcast.net.
For up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band, visit our website at www.danvilleband.org.