No single event has inspired as much music as Christmas — as the Nativity. There is a huge repertoire, from Gregorian chant to this morning. My annual podcast of Christmas music — my annual Christmas episode of Music for a While — is here. Just a little gift to listeners. A little menu of selections — a prix fixe (although this podcast is free of charge).
I begin with Bach — the final chorus of his Christmas Oratorio. Later, I go back in time, to Byrd — a song or anthem he wrote in 1611 (the year the King James Bible came out). I have a couple of carols, old and new, performed by a couple of friends of mine: Heidi Grant Murphy, the soprano, and her pianist husband Kevin.
Speaking of pianists, got some George Shearing (with his quintet). And some spirituals. It’s a seasonal mishmash.
Nothing is more significant this year, to my mind, than the famous Ukrainian carol: the “Carol of the Bells.” Last night, there was something very nice outside Grand Central Terminal in New York:
#NOW Ukrainian Children choir sang at Grand Central tonight, to spread awareness for 19,546 abducted Ukrainian children who won't be home for holidays. Moloda Dumka Choir sang traditional Christmas carols including Carroll of the Bell.
Video by Polina Buchak pic.twitter.com/d8utbiXvS9
— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) December 20, 2023
Merry Christmas. Again, my podcast offering is here.