Carol of the Bells

Carol of the Bells

Author: America Media November 27, 2022 Duration: 31:32
Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols
MusicReligionReligion & SpiritualitySpirituality
We’re ringing in the second season of Hark! with “Carol of the Bells,” or “Shchedryk.” Originally derived from a Ukrainian folk song, this Christmas classic crossed the Atlantic to become a major sensation, debuting at Carnegie Hall in 1922. Since then it has become an enchanting symbol of Christmastime with over 150 versions and recordings worldwide. And to this day the story behind “Carol of the Bells” resonates powerfully with the people of Ukraine. We speak with Ukrainian-American journalist Lydia Tomkiw about these modern-day parallels and music composer, Colin Britt, returns to unpack the musical brilliance of this tune.  Lydia’s article for Slate —Toll of the Bells: The forgotten history of nationalism, oppression, and murder behind a Christmas classic. Her report on the 100th Anniversary of “Carol of the Bells”, aired on NPR and affiliates: As war rages at home, Ukrainian choir heads to Carnegie Hall to celebrate 100 years of ‘Carol of the Bells’. Colin Britt is one of four composers involved in an international collaboration called “The Same Word,” which celebrates the commonalities between the world’s religions. This piece will be premiered in Hamburg in February 2023.  Listen to Tatyana Yurina “Miss Diki” play “Carol of the Bells” on the bandura Special thanks to GIA Publications, Terre Roche of The Roches, Tatyana Yurina and James Kennerley, the director of Music at St. Paul's Church and Choir school in Cambridge, Mass, for providing much of the music on this episode. Support “Hark!” and subscribe to America today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a familiar comfort in the melodies that fill the air each December, but the stories behind them are often anything but simple. Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols, from America Media, digs into the rich and sometimes surprising histories of the songs that define the season. This podcast moves beyond the surface cheer to explore the origins of both sacred hymns and popular tunes, examining the specific moments, personal struggles, and cultural shifts that gave them life. You'll hear about the unexpected inspirations that moved composers to write and learn how these carols traveled from humble beginnings to become global traditions. Each episode focuses on a single carol, weaving together musical analysis, historical context, and insights into how these works function in both religious practice and broader culture. It’s an exploration for anyone who has ever wondered about the journey of a song like "Silent Night" or "Jingle Bells," from its creation to its place in our modern celebrations. Whether you're deeply invested in the spiritual significance or simply love the seasonal soundtrack, this series offers a deeper appreciation for the music that scores our holidays. The podcast reveals how a simple melody can carry layers of meaning, connecting us to the past and to each other every time we sing along.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 24

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Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols
Podcast Episodes
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