Carol of the Bells x 2
The Carol of the Bells, a Ukrainian folk song written by Mykola Leontovych with lyrics by Peter Wilhousky, has always been one of my favorites of those Christmas carols that you are more likely to hear than sing. There are so many fabulous variations that never fail to delight, and the tune has been adapted to reflect so many different cultures (where drums, for instance, in an African version performed at my daughter’s middle school recently).
So it was to my great delight to come across two more versions that I thought were, well, just really cool.
The first, from the creative talents at North Point Church in Atlanta, appeals to my geeky side. Give it just a minute and you’ll know just what I mean – hint: it inspired almost immediately me to download a new app when I first heard it two years ago. (The actual carol and medley ends at about 2:55 followed by a few more carols, both sacred and secular; all great fun.)
The second, by The Piano Guys, translates the carol into a piece for twelve cellos and is beautiful in sound and, as always the case with these guys, image.
On this cold Friday afternoon (at least in Minnesota!) enjoy….
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I also like Carol of the Bells. Richard Birk arranged the piece for 3 keyboards, bells, electric bass and drums that we’ll play this Sunday. We’re having our annual Outdoor Christmas Concert fund raiser for the local food pantry, and this will be one of the songs. (We’re in Texas so we’re praying for no rain while we play–but it can rain otherwise.) Thanks for sharing this great music!
You have probably received many messages following the tragedy in Connecticut, but here is a link that you may find helpful.
http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/12/15/i-am-adam-lanzas-mother