“Christmas is Coming” is not just a folk song like any other. It is a special kind called a round, and a round is a subset of what in formal music is called a canon.
Children today are deprived of so much that we “older” folks enjoyed, and it shows. They call it progress. I call it a shame. Been to a sporting event lately? They have to have a performer sing the National Anthem because nobody knows it…not even the performer. It’s sad. And, as you said, children today don’t sing. They shout. Everyone thinks it’s wonderful. I, however, cringe. If we’re honest, It’s not wonderful. It’s grating and unpleasant. I don’t know if it’s purely an American issue, but it speaks negatively about a culture when people don’t sing. (I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.)
I love being a part of this family. Reclaiming truth, beauty and goodness - and memories of simpler times. Thank you! I just gave my first gift subscription and I encourage my brothers and sisters to do the same. Rounds were fun! 🎶Make new friends / but keep the old / one is silver and the other gold! Gaudete, everyone!!!!
I had never heard of Harry Belafonte before but since listening to this song I have been listening to his Christmas album on repeat all day yesterday. Thanks!
I couldn't find it to comment on, but "By the Waters of Babylon" is so moving! I also found a version in which Don McLean leads an Irish audience in the round.
Marilyn you must have been reading my mind. I also thought of "By the Waters of Babylon" and looked up that Irish audience version -- and sent it around today as our first "Sunday Surprise" for paid subscribers. I wanted to work it into my post, but also I try to keep those pretty tight. That was a great and moving performance.
My students certainly sing rounds still. They just did Dona Nobis Pacem as part of their Christmas concert. Thanks for reminding me of this one, I'll have them sing it next week!
Patrick, for 25 years we hosted a huge caroling party at our house every Advent for singing round the pump organ. Since our move to NH we haven't been able to do anything like that. I miss it.
How fun is that! What a lovely singer he was. And now I know how to pronounce 'ha' penny;' I always gave it a short A sound (in my mind). Yes, singing rounds in school was enchanting. Do we ever have the nerve to invite a batch of friends to join us in round singing? I dare you!
A lot of things surprised me when I was looking for a good version of the song for this week, and one was that no one knew what how to pronounce ha' penny!
Norma, I was in grade school in the 60's. We sang a LOT in school. By the time my daughter was in Girl Scouts (n the 90's) the "singing" had devolved into shouting. The kids literally couldn't carry a tune in a hand basket. Sigh and sigh again. I'm glad to have brought back some good memories for you!!
Gary, I hope you do. There are so many rounds, in the main forgotten now. I'd love to get back to doing some caroling (house to house) and throw in this song! I bet people would be amazed by it.
Children today are deprived of so much that we “older” folks enjoyed, and it shows. They call it progress. I call it a shame. Been to a sporting event lately? They have to have a performer sing the National Anthem because nobody knows it…not even the performer. It’s sad. And, as you said, children today don’t sing. They shout. Everyone thinks it’s wonderful. I, however, cringe. If we’re honest, It’s not wonderful. It’s grating and unpleasant. I don’t know if it’s purely an American issue, but it speaks negatively about a culture when people don’t sing. (I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.)
I love being a part of this family. Reclaiming truth, beauty and goodness - and memories of simpler times. Thank you! I just gave my first gift subscription and I encourage my brothers and sisters to do the same. Rounds were fun! 🎶Make new friends / but keep the old / one is silver and the other gold! Gaudete, everyone!!!!
I had never heard of Harry Belafonte before but since listening to this song I have been listening to his Christmas album on repeat all day yesterday. Thanks!
Oh, I'm glad to hear that! He was quite a sensation in his day.
I couldn't find it to comment on, but "By the Waters of Babylon" is so moving! I also found a version in which Don McLean leads an Irish audience in the round.
Marilyn you must have been reading my mind. I also thought of "By the Waters of Babylon" and looked up that Irish audience version -- and sent it around today as our first "Sunday Surprise" for paid subscribers. I wanted to work it into my post, but also I try to keep those pretty tight. That was a great and moving performance.
I love singing rounds!
Me, too, Marilyn! And we don't get much chance to do it these days. Tony and I did try "Hey, ho! Nobody's Home" last night though!
My students certainly sing rounds still. They just did Dona Nobis Pacem as part of their Christmas concert. Thanks for reminding me of this one, I'll have them sing it next week!
I am glad to hear it! Think however that this sort of singing was common in all schools, public schools, not so long ago. Your students are blessed.
And a lot of those families will be over tomorrow at our annual Gaudete party, I'll see if anyone wants to sing with us!
Patrick, for 25 years we hosted a huge caroling party at our house every Advent for singing round the pump organ. Since our move to NH we haven't been able to do anything like that. I miss it.
How fun is that! What a lovely singer he was. And now I know how to pronounce 'ha' penny;' I always gave it a short A sound (in my mind). Yes, singing rounds in school was enchanting. Do we ever have the nerve to invite a batch of friends to join us in round singing? I dare you!
A lot of things surprised me when I was looking for a good version of the song for this week, and one was that no one knew what how to pronounce ha' penny!
Yes! We sang rounds in elementary school and Girl Scouts. (This was the 50's). What pleasures.
Norma, I was in grade school in the 60's. We sang a LOT in school. By the time my daughter was in Girl Scouts (n the 90's) the "singing" had devolved into shouting. The kids literally couldn't carry a tune in a hand basket. Sigh and sigh again. I'm glad to have brought back some good memories for you!!
Love this! Think I’ll try to add this to our family Christmastime activities. Thank you again.
Gary, I hope you do. There are so many rounds, in the main forgotten now. I'd love to get back to doing some caroling (house to house) and throw in this song! I bet people would be amazed by it.