It's Christmas Around the World! Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Looking for a way to liven up your holiday choral concert. Try one of these great arrangements, and infuse your performance with musical flavor from all around the world!
Spanish Christmas carols, or villancicos, are festive in mood and influenced by the popular culture of Spain and the Castilian region. Try Spanish Allelu, Fum Fum Fum, Three Spanish Christmas Carols of the 16th Century, or long-time favorite, Riu Riu Chiu.
Christmas carols from France are known for their dance-like quality, and many have become standards in the American carol repertoire. Take a look at Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, La Bonne Nouvelle for women's voices, or this incredibly fresh and original arrangement of Il est ne.
Including carols and Christmas songs from Africa can lend a great world-music touch to your concert. Sing We All Noel intermingles with “Siyahamba†in this setting for young choirs. Combined groups will excel with Hope for Resolution, which partners the chant “Of the Father's Love Begotten†with a South African freedom song. It's inspirational and unforgettable!
Your elementary students will enjoy the collection It's Christmas Everywhere! Exploring carols and traditions from Germany, Japan, Australia, Africa, Mexico, Canada, and Spain, each song can be performed individually, or use the optional narration to combine them into a 25-30 minute program. Both familiar and lesser-known carols are included, as well as an upbeat theme song which incorporates holiday greetings in six languages. The book is fully reproducible, and includes a handy performance/accompaniment CD.
Still want more. Try Kling Glockchen (from Germany), Huron Carol (from Canada), Jamaican Noel (from…well, you know), or Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (from Poland).
For more exciting winter concert repertoire from around the world, please contact us!