Christmas Music
Christmas music in the form of carols, songs
stringed or instrumental
renditions, is constantly heard during the Christmas
season. Music forms the background against which
everything else takes place to make the Christmas
season different from all others. Christmas music
plays such a significant role that during the entire
season, other popular music temporarily disappears
from radio. That may be the reason for all the
different types of Christmas music - sacred,
secular, popular and traditional - that have emerged
throughout the years.
Popular and secular renditions of Christmas music
has been developed by musical artists and performers
who 'make over' classic styles of Christmas music
with their own personal touch. One reason for
popular make overs of Christmas music may be because
regular popular music is not heard during the
holiday season so pop musicians and artists do
Christmas music to keep their voices
always in earshot of their fans and the general
audience. It could also be that they want to
capitalize on the popularity of Christmas music.
Whatever the reason, it has become a trend for
popular musical artists to release new Christmas or
holiday music albums during the season. Since
variety is the spice of life, it means there are
more variations of secular, sacred, classical or
traditional and popular renditions of Christmas
music that can be heard.
Music at Christmas time is important to create the
right mood. The
prevalence of Christmas music is what helps to
create the special holiday type of feeling or spirit
that is present everywhere and among everyone.
Everyone has particular Christmas songs and carols
that are favorites, maybe for the melody, the lyrics
or because they are reminders of special memories.
The most popular Christmas song is said to be 'White
Christmas,' which is popular even in warm and
tropical climates where people sing of 'dreaming of
a White Christmas,' which in reality they would not
want. Other popular Christmas songs and carols are:
Away in a Manger, which tells the Nativity story in
song; O Holy Night, Silent Night, Joy to the World,
Hark the Herald Angels and Angels
we have Heard on High.
All of those songs are sacred and are all about the
story of Jesus' birth. Of note also is Handel's
majestic 'Hallelujah Chorus,' which is a favorite
that choirs like to sing because of the splendor
embodied in the music.
Nat King Cole's 'Chestnut Roasting On an Open Fire'
is a classical favorite. It defies categorization as
it isn't sacred but is also not considered secular
like a song such as 'Sleigh Ride.' Among secular
Christmas songs, there are also funny ones such as
'I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus Underneath the
Mistletoe Last Night' and Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer. The availability of a wide
Christmas music selection makes it possible to
choose ones for different occasions, such as for
general use at home, for a fun or informal party or
for a formal dinner. As an example, selections can
be made to create the right mood at the start of a
party, followed by more lively music when the party
is in full swing, and then selections to slow down
the pace when the party is nearing its end.
It's also important to note that professional groups
such as choirs, symphonies and orchestras will also
record performances of Christmas music on albums.
For the very serious and critical music aficionados,
these albums will provide wonderful listening
pleasure and also make good Christmas presents.
Listening to music from those groups is also a way
of enjoying their performances if doesn't get the
opportunity to attend a live concert by the
professional group.
Whatever selections of Christmas music are made
however, it's likely that it will create a festive
mood and spirit among all who hear or are listening
to the music.