Babel

Category: Videos

  • 12/6 O Tannenbaum – Vienna Boys Choir, live

    O Tannenbaum performed by Vienna Boys Choir

    Beautiful voices blending together for a glorious salute to the Christmas tree. O Tannenbaum is German for Oh Christmas Tree, where it is said the decorating of a Holiday tree began. The song is often sung round the tree on Feast of St. Nicholas and throughout the Holiday Season.

    Vienna Boys Choir, Song: O Tannenbaum (a traditional Christmas carol), Album: Christmas Angels, Hans Gillesberger, 1978, RCA Gold Seal. Re-released in 1995.

    The Feast of St. Nicholas by Jan Steen The Feast of St. Nicholas

    Saint Nicholas or Nicholas of Myra born c. 270, Patara, Lycia, died 6 December 343, Myra, Lycia is considered the patron Saint of sailors in Greece, of lawyers in France, and of children and travelers in Belgium. There are thousands of churches dedicated to St. Nicholas.

    In the 12th century an official church holiday ‘The Feast of St. Nicholas’ celebrated December 6, was created in his honor. Traditionally this is a day of gift-giving and charity. St. Nicholas is one who may bring toys, nuts and gifts to children. On the eve of the feast some children leave their shoes by the hearth or outside. During the night they’re filled with goodies or switches (for nice or naughty children).  Who fills the shoes varies from country to country from the 3 wise men to St. Nicolas to baby Jesus to angels or the elder males of the family. A glorious happy day of celebration.

    May your shoes be filled with your heart desires!  Happy St. Nicholas Day.

     

    Vienna Boys’ Choir (German Wiener Sängerknaben) was formally created by Maximilian I of Habsburg in 1498. It  is one of the best known boys’ choirs performing worldwide. The Choir is divided into four touring choirs of equal standing; tours, appearances in Vienna and recording projects are shared among them. The touring choirs are named after famous Austrian composers Bruckner, Haydn, Mozart and Schubert. You can read more, see schedules and music at their website Wiener Sängerknaben.

    The painting above left is The Feast of St. Nicholas by Jan Steen c. 1660-65. Oil on canvas, 82 x 70.5 cm. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.  You can see more painting by Jan Steen at Olga’s Gallery.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/4 The Angel Gabriel, Aled Jones live

    ‘The Angel Gabriel’ performed by Aled Jones, live

    Absolutely beautiful and inspiring performance. I felt Spirit moving as Aled sang this lovely hymn. Enjoy The Angel Gabriel!

    Artist: Aled Jones, album: The Christmas Album (2005), song: The Angel Gabriel, words: Basque carol, paraphrased by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924). Originally based on Angelus Ad Virginem, Anonymous 13th or 14th Century Latin. Alternate titles: Gabriel’s Message, The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came.

     Lyrics:Ecce Ancilla Domini, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1850

    The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
    his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame, “All hail” said he “thou lowly maiden Mary, most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

    “For know a blessed mother thou shalt be, all generations laud and honor thee, thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

    Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head “To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said, “My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name.” most highly favored lady. Gloria!

    Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ was born in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say “Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

    May angels bless and keep you safe throughout the Holidays! 

     

    Aled Jones Aled Jones born December 29, 1970 in Bangor, Wales is a Welsh singer, actor and television/radio personality. He first gained recognition as a boy soprano in the choir of Bangor Cathedral at age nine and was Lead Soloist within two years. In 1982 he won the Cerdd Dant solo competitions for age 12 at the Urdd Eisteddfod. By age 16 he sold more than six million albums. He has performed private recitals for Pope John Paul II, the Queen of England and the Prince and Princess of Wales. To date he has recorded twenty-four albums many reaching gold or platinum in the UK and Australia. You can read new, find out more and listen and buy his music at his website aledjones.co.uk.

    The painting above right is a perfect compliment to the beautiful hymn. It is called Ecce Ancilla Domini (“The Annunciation”) by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. 1850. Oil on canvas. Tate Gallery, London, UK. You can view more paintings by Dante Gabriel Rossetti at Olga’s Gallery.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • The Prayer – Dion and Groban, live duet

    ‘The Prayer’ – live duet by Céline Dion and Josh Groban

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING! A wondrous remembrance of thankfulness for this day and everyday.

    An amazing, moving performance. Beautiful voices coming together in perfect harmony. Could feel Spirit moving through them both. Gave me chills and brought tears. Very touching!

    Live duet by Céline Dion and Josh Groban at Concert for World Children’s Day in 2000 singing The Prayer. First included on the album: These Are Special Times 1997 (promo), won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song 1999; Soundtrack from the movie Quest for Camelot 1998.

    Céline Dion and Josh Groban also preformed ‘The Prayer’ live during her CBS TV special, aired  February 15, 2008. This live duet was released as a digital single.

    celinedion Céline Marie Claudette Dion born March 30, 1968 in Charlemagne, Quebec, Canada is a singer/songwriter/actress. She is the youngest of 14 children of a highly musical family. She began singing at age 5 and regularly preformed with her siblings at a nightclub her parents owned. Céline began to receive recognition for her talent in 1982, winning the Gold Medal at the Yamaha World Song Festival in Tokyo, along with the coveted Musician’s Award for Top Performer. In 1983, she became the first Canadian ever to receive a Gold Record in France. In 2004, after becoming the best selling female artist of all time, she was presented with the Chopard Diamond Award at the World Music Awards. You can read news, listen to music, and watch videos at her website www.celinedion.com.

    Josh Groban Josh Groban singer/songwriter was born February 27, 1981 in Los Angeles, California. In 1997 and 1998 he attended Interlochen Arts Camp, majoring in musical theater and voice. He graduated in 1999 with a major in theater from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Soon after graduation he was offered a recording contract at Warner Brothers Records. His recording debut was singing “For Always” with Lara Fabian on the soundtrack to A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001). Read news, listen his wonderful music, watch videos, see photos and read his blog at www.joshgroban.com.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • Von den Elben – QNTAL

    Von den Elben – QNTAL, music video by Brian Froud

    Von den Elben means From the Elfin. A haunting magical video about Elfs and Faerie. The images are otherworldly, captivating and mysterious. They speak of things unknown, places in-between visited only by a few. Von den Elben is an intensely moving work of art!

    Band: QNTAL, Song: Von Den Elben, Album: Silver Swan (2006). Music video created by Brian and Toby Froud. First seen at the 2006 Faerieworlds Festival.

    Brian Froud says, “How do you see Faeries? You can’t see them with your eyes, you see them with your heart.”

    qntal_2006QNTAL is a German “electro-medieval” band founded in 1991 by Michael Popp. Band members: Syrah vocals; Michael Popp vocals, Fidel, Saz, Shalmei, Ud, Tar; and Fil Keyboards, Vocals, Guitars, Programming; plus Markus Köstner (live) Drums, Percussion.  You can listen to more of their music, read latest news and find out more at www.qntal.net.

    brianfroud Brian Froud born 1947 in Winchester, England is a world renown fantasy artist who was the conceptual designer on the fantasy-film-classics ‘The Dark Crystal’ and ‘The Labyrinth’. His wife Wendy Froud also a fantasy artist is credited with the design of the characters The Gelflings, Jen and Kira in the Dark Crystal and Yoda in Star Wars. You can see more of Brian and Wendy’s art, watch videos, and read news at the World of Froud.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • Angel – McLachlan and Groban live duet

     

    ‘Angel’ – Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban, live duet

    Absolutely beautiful! This lovely song about being held with love in the arms of angels gave me chills and brought tears. I love Sarah and Josh separately, but together, here, now… Wow!

    Live duet by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban at Live8 in Philadelphia, PA singing Sarah McLachlan’s song: Angel. From the album: Surfacing 1997, which won three Grammy Awards and eight Juno Awards; Soundtrack movie: City of Angels 1998.

    SarahMcLachlanSarah McLachlan singer/songwriter was born January 28, 1968 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Growing up she took voice lessons, and studied classical piano and guitar. At 17 she fronted for the band The October Game, following their first concert she was offered a recording contract by Nettwerk. Listen to her amazing music, read news, buy CDs and learn more at www.sarahmclachlan.com.

    Josh Groban Josh Groban singer/songwriter was born February 27, 1981 in Los Angeles, California. In 1997 and 1998 he attended Interlochen Arts Camp, majoring in musical theater and voice. He graduated in 1999 with a major in theater from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Soon after graduation he was offered a recording contract at Warner Brothers Records. His recording debut was singing “For Always” with Lara Fabian on the soundtrack to A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001). Read news, listen his wonderful music, watch videos, see photos and read his blog at www.joshgroban.com.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan