Babel

Tag: Music Reviews

  • 12/7 Carol Of The Bells, Windham Hill

    Carol Of The Bells  performed by Windham Hill Artists

    A lovely, uplifting music video. Makes me smile. Hope you enjoy this instrumental version of Carol of the Bells as much as I do.

    Classic Windham Hill Artists, song: Carol of The Bells, album: A Winter’s Solstice IV, Windham Hill Records (1993), music video directed by: Wayne Miller.

    Carol_of_the_bells_by_blessedchildCarol of the Bells is based on Shchedryk (or bountiful)composed in 1916 by Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych (1877-1921), a Ukrainian orthodox priest. It is said Shchedryk was  inspired by a magical ancient pagan chant to bring in the new year (in April). Your can read the lyrics to Shchedryk at wikipedia.

    The first lyrics to Carol of the Bells were written in the 1930s by Peter Wilhousky. They were believed to have been influenced by a Slavic legend which says, ‘every bell in the world rang when Jesus was born‘. You can read more about Carol of The Bells at Hymns and Carols of Christmas.

    The magical photo above left called Carol of the Bells is by Julia from Slovakia. You can see more of her photos at blessedchild.

    May you ring in the Holidays with Good Cheer!

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 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

  • 12/3 Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

    Tchaikovsky’s ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’  performed on Glass harp by Robert Tiso

    Amazing sound, absolutely beautiful! Tiso plays ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ on wine glasses filled with water. The instrument is called a cristallofono or crystal glass harp and is played with the fingers. Wow! Enjoy some Holiday magic!

    sugarplumfairies_johnaardemaDance of the Sugar Plum Fairy comes from the Holiday classic ballet called The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker was written in 1892 by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. You can read more about Tchaikovsky at the Classical Archives.

    The sweet illustration of Sugar Plum Fairies dancing (right) is by John Aardema of Woodridge, IL a children’s book illustrator. You can see more of his works at inkyboy.com.

    Have a sweet day filled with Delight!

     

    robert tiso Robert Tiso, born 1968 in London, England is a master of the cristallofono (crystal glasses in played with the fingers). He currently resides in Bologna, Italy and travels worldwide giving concerts. The cristallofono was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761. Few know how to play the it, but through perseverance Robert learned and eventually mastered the art. You can listen to more music videos on youtube roberttiso or myspace cristallofonia.

    ~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