Normally, I do my "Guess which song won the Oscar" theme this week but, it's Christmas and I wanted to showcase 3 songs I love that comes from other parts of the world, not just English or German (since I showcased German last week with Mad Ivan). I grew up hearing these songs and I thank my mom for showcasing more than just what was in our backyard and with no singing that sounds like cats are in heat.
1. PAT A PAN SUNG BY THE STAIRWELL CAROLLERS-2010
This Capella group is from Ottawa and I think they did this traditional French song justice. It's actually from 1720 written by Bernard de La Monnoye. I always loved this song and heard a newer version on the classical radio station I listen to but forgot the singer's name. I have to find that version.
2. A LA NANITA NANA SUNG BY ...SORRY...THIS CHOIR
I am writing this way too late....Anyhoo, I tried to find the original version I heard from the "Great Songs of Christmas", from 1963, but I couldn't find it so I hope this version does well. I can't hear it when I download it onto my blog. This is a beautiful Spanish song that comes from the 1800s, written by Jose Ramon Gomis and later, lyrics by Juan Francisco Munoz y Pabon and was published in 1904.
3. JESU BAMBINO SUNG BY FREDERIKA VON STAADE AND KATHLEEN BATTLE-1989
I recall watching this special Christmas concert with these 2 great operatic divas and wondered why Kathleen Battle(the gal in the red dress) seemed to want to outdo Frederika. I found out that Kathleen Battle is notoriously difficult and was actually fired from the Metropolitan Opera House for her horrible behaviour to, well, everyone. Actually, everyone applauded when she was told to leave! That being said, you can't say she can't sing and this was an excellent Christmas concert. This is a traditional Italian Christmas carol written in 1917 by Pietro Yon.
If you care to listen to one of my favourite albums, here is "The Great Songs of Christmas", from 1963 with Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet in 2 of the carols. Enjoy!
Hi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteYou and other boomer age friends share my fondness for the traditional carols, not steamy secular numbers warbled by women dressed as sexy Mrs. Santas. The type of Christmas music I was exposed to at an early age and grew to love is proudly showcased in your post this morning. Indeed, these are songs written long ago, in other centuries.
The French song performed by The Stairwell Carollers of Ottawa was penned more than 300 years ago. I enjoyed it.
Entry #2, the Spanish song, is 118 years old, and I appreciated the choir's rendition.
The 105 year old Italian carol "Jesu Bambino" is my favorite of the three, a thrilling performance by Frederika and Kathleen backed by a boys choir.
Bob Goulet's rich, robust, powerful, operatic voice was ideal for Broadway musicals and seasonal songs, and the Christmas album featuring his vocals along with those of Julie Andrews reminds me of the type of sounds I most often heard playing in our house, in department stores and in the town square during the Christmas seasons of my youth. I loved it!
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to these holiday selections, dear friend BB. I offer traditional Christmas carols of my own in a new post published this morning at Shady's Place. I hope you can stop by and check it out.
Have a splendid Wednesday. I'll be back here tamale, sitting in the balcony and saving you a seat-- "At The Movies!"
My parents had that Christmas album record way way back in the day. I think that's why I love vintage holiday tunes-both English and not. Thanks for sharing these today. The beauty of music is you don't necessarily need the words. Happy holidays to you! hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteBeautiful music! I wonder what Battle does now. Sing someplace else, I suppose. I'll have to Google her.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Get the album with a set of Firestone whitewalls...
ReplyDelete"Pat-A-Pan" is one of my favorite carols, as is "Jesu Bambino." I remember a special on PBS where Luciano Pavarotti was singing it accompanied by a choir of boys. One of the boys kept turning his head, and we thought he was being a clown. Turns out, he was the soloist...
I may have been forced offline by the storm at Christmas, but I want to wish you a joyous, safe, healthy, and prosperous 2023 in advance of the new year. I had never heard of any of these songs, dear.
ReplyDelete