December 19, 2017 (Tuesday)
This is a carol that you usually hear during the Christmas season, but, if you are like me, you seldom sing it. The rapid pace of the song is probably why it is seldom requested when a congregation has “hymns by request” special service. If we want to know what the hymn is about, we have to “listen fast!” It is a popular Christmas carol composed by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych in 1914 with lyrics by Peter J. Wilhousky. The song is based on a Ukrainian folk chant called “Shchedryk”. Wilhousky’s lyrics are copyrighted, although the original musical composition is not.
The song is recognized by a four-note ostinato motif. The definition of an ostinato is a short melody or rhythm that is repeated by the same voice or instrument during a musical composition.The song is recognized by a four-note ostinato motif. The definition of an ostinato is a short melody or rhythm that is repeated by the same voice or instrument during a musical composition.
This song was originally a folk story, but as politics changed and religion entered the picture, it evolved into what we see and hear today. Carol of the Bells was introduced to a capacity crown in Carnegie Hall in 1921.
Written by Mykola Leontovych, Paul Mark Oakenfold, William King Ross
Hark how the bells,
Sweet silver bells,
All seem to say,
Throw cares away
Christmas is here,
Bringing good cheer,
To young and old,
Meek and the bold.
Ding dong ding dong
That is their song
With joyful ring
All caroling.
One seems to hear
Words of good cheer
From everywhere
Filling the air.
Oh how they pound,
Raising the sound,
O’er hill and dale,
Telling their tale.
Gaily they ring
While people sing
Songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here.
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas.
On on they send,
On without end,
Their joyful tone
To every home.
Ding dong ding dong
Ding dong ding dong
Hark how the bells,
Sweet silver bells,
All seem to say,
Throw cares away
(We will throw cares away)
Christmas is here,
Bringing good cheer,
To young and old,
Meek and the bold.
(Bringing cheer to the young and old)
Oh how they pound,
Raising the sound,
O’er hill and dale,
Telling their tale.
Gaily they ring
While people sing
Songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here.
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas
On on they send,
On without end,
Their joyful tone
To every home.