Not much notice was taken of “The Carol of the Drum” at its original publication in 1941. But in the 1950's the song reached an audience around the world.
Thank you for this music. I have a soft spot for Austria so it’s a double-whammy with the Von Trapps and the boys! I listen to a lot of music by the Vienna Boys Choir—most of it in Latin or German but I do love the little soloist singing “where a mudder lait her baby” from “Once in Royal David’s City”. By the way, the Kingston Trio had a good Christmas album, too, with some particularly nice renditions of old English songs. I first heard it as a child—in Austria—and just listened to it again. After a lapse of 50 years I had not forgotten a word.
I used to hate this carol but listening to a really sincere presentation has changed my mind in recent years. Emmylou Harris has a touching rendition. Thanks for these three links, especially to the Trapp Family version.
I wish I had had time this week to track down the number of versions which have been recorded. Thank you for recommending another to me! At our house, we have loved this version of the Trapp Family Christmas recording for a long time. <3
I LOVE the clarity of the Trapp women’s voices, and the simplicity of the arrangement. Something in the harmony reminds me of music I have heard performed by people of the Plain communities, Amish and Mennonites, who use vocal harmony, without the use of musical instruments, and without a lot of flourishes. Simply wonderful, in fact. Thank you for keeping us tuned-in to the good, the true, the beautiful.
Oh, I am so glad you enjoyed that first recording of the carol. I can see how it had appeal to the Trapps, and their simple arrangements were glorious in fact. I like it in other versions, too, but theirs is all sweetness and freshness. It does remind me of Amish and Mennonites, as well.
Thanks, Debra. That was beautiful. I was born in 1951 and certainly remember hearing the Simone version every Christmas Season. Really liked the hearing the Trapp Family Singers version as well.
I'm very glad. You know that I always try to find "the" version of each song, but this time I had to share more. And thanks to readers here, I know know of a few versions that I missed until now!
The Harry Simeone version is so beautiful…I was nine when I first heard this on the radio. It seemed like it was playing everywhere we went…in the car, in the shops...this quiet, peaceful Christmas carol became a hit record.
I'm sure that is the one I heard everywhere when I was a kid in the 1960's. Somehow, however, as a child I missed "The Little Drummer Boy." I caught up with it when my own children came along! I really do love all the versions I posted.
The Trapp Family Christmas album is one of my favorites! I found the lip at a library ale many years ago then later replaced with a cd. We were listening to it this morning on our way to church! Thank you for this story! I always preferred the Trapp version and now I understand the difference a little better.
I was very moved by the Trapp version, too, and like you we have been enjoying their Christmas (and other) recorded music on old CD's for some time. Thanks for reading and following, as always!
John, thank you for recommending the Feliciano version to me. I recall fondly his "Feliz Navidad" from .. 1969-70? Such an upbeat and cheerful song with one simple message. Okay, Jose!
Thank you for this music. I have a soft spot for Austria so it’s a double-whammy with the Von Trapps and the boys! I listen to a lot of music by the Vienna Boys Choir—most of it in Latin or German but I do love the little soloist singing “where a mudder lait her baby” from “Once in Royal David’s City”. By the way, the Kingston Trio had a good Christmas album, too, with some particularly nice renditions of old English songs. I first heard it as a child—in Austria—and just listened to it again. After a lapse of 50 years I had not forgotten a word.
I used to hate this carol but listening to a really sincere presentation has changed my mind in recent years. Emmylou Harris has a touching rendition. Thanks for these three links, especially to the Trapp Family version.
I wish I had had time this week to track down the number of versions which have been recorded. Thank you for recommending another to me! At our house, we have loved this version of the Trapp Family Christmas recording for a long time. <3
I LOVE the clarity of the Trapp women’s voices, and the simplicity of the arrangement. Something in the harmony reminds me of music I have heard performed by people of the Plain communities, Amish and Mennonites, who use vocal harmony, without the use of musical instruments, and without a lot of flourishes. Simply wonderful, in fact. Thank you for keeping us tuned-in to the good, the true, the beautiful.
Oh, I am so glad you enjoyed that first recording of the carol. I can see how it had appeal to the Trapps, and their simple arrangements were glorious in fact. I like it in other versions, too, but theirs is all sweetness and freshness. It does remind me of Amish and Mennonites, as well.
Thanks, Debra. That was beautiful. I was born in 1951 and certainly remember hearing the Simone version every Christmas Season. Really liked the hearing the Trapp Family Singers version as well.
I'm very glad. You know that I always try to find "the" version of each song, but this time I had to share more. And thanks to readers here, I know know of a few versions that I missed until now!
The Harry Simeone version is so beautiful…I was nine when I first heard this on the radio. It seemed like it was playing everywhere we went…in the car, in the shops...this quiet, peaceful Christmas carol became a hit record.
I'm sure that is the one I heard everywhere when I was a kid in the 1960's. Somehow, however, as a child I missed "The Little Drummer Boy." I caught up with it when my own children came along! I really do love all the versions I posted.
The Trapp Family Christmas album is one of my favorites! I found the lip at a library ale many years ago then later replaced with a cd. We were listening to it this morning on our way to church! Thank you for this story! I always preferred the Trapp version and now I understand the difference a little better.
LP….drat that autocorrect!
I was very moved by the Trapp version, too, and like you we have been enjoying their Christmas (and other) recorded music on old CD's for some time. Thanks for reading and following, as always!
I'm not crying...you're crying! :)
World Over Christmas 2018 - Grammy award winner Jose Feliciano with 'Little Drummer Boy' - YouTube
John, thank you for recommending the Feliciano version to me. I recall fondly his "Feliz Navidad" from .. 1969-70? Such an upbeat and cheerful song with one simple message. Okay, Jose!
no question...
the choirs tell the beautiful story...beautifully...
but...
Jose IS the beautiful story! :)
I am extremely glad to know this!!!
Sweet way to put a button on my coffee and prayers on this feast of the Holy Family. Thank you, Debra. Sometimes, Sometimes is just right.
Anne, you are kind. I'm glad that this "sometimes" hit the spot!