1220 Mykola Leontovych - Shchedryk (The Carol of the Bells)

1220 Mykola Leontovych - Shchedryk (The Carol of the Bells)

With it being the week of Christmas and all, I figured I should pick a seasonal piece. In actuality The Carol of the Bells, which is considered a Christmas tune, was originally an ancient Ukrainian folk chant that was used to herald in the New Year; in the early 1900's Mykola Leontovych arranged Shchedryk around that chant as the song we know today.
The title: Shchedryk supposedly means "Bountiful" in Ukrainian and is about a swallow flying into a family's house and singing a song of wealth to come with the Spring. Apparently the original chant was performed sometime around April; later the celebration was moved near the New Year and was used for The Feast of Epiphany. The song was later used with new lyrics penned by Peter Wilhousky as the piece: The Carol of the Bells.

Hear Shchedryk conducted by Myron Maksymiw on YouTube.
Watch the Claymation Christmas' Carol of the Bells on YouTube.
There are many more videos with the song available for viewing on YouTube as well.



My song pick a year ago today: Steeleye Span - Edwin

My song pick two years ago today: Trans-Siberian Orchestra/Savatage - Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24

My song pick three years ago today: Jethro Tull - Ring Out Solstice Bells

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