Day 5 - A Christmas Carol (Charles Ives)
Maybe not the last person, but probably way down on the list of people who you'd think of when considering composers of Christmas music, would be Charles Ives. An "American Iconoclast," "the first American composer to successfully abandon the European music tradition," a "flinty New Englander" with a "stubborn willfulness to grab a moment." These are not descriptions that would lead us to a piece of music suitable for the Christmas season. Yet, as with all things Ives, there's always some surprise to be found in a quiet corner.
Ives' song, A Christmas Carol, probably dates from Christmas 1894. The poem is Ives’s own and the berceuse-like rhythm and devotional atmosphere establish parallels with many another carols. A peaceful, beautiful contemplation.
Little star of Bethlehem!
Do we see Thee now?
Do we see Thee shining
O’er the tall trees?
Little Child of Bethlehem!
Do we hear thee in our hearts?
Hear the Angels singing:
Peace on earth, good will to men!
Noel!
O’er the cradle of a King,
Hear the Angels sing:
In Excelsis Gloria, Gloria!
From his Father’s home on high,
Lo! for us He came to die;
Hear the Angels sing:
Venite adoremus Dominum.
Ives: A Christmas Carol - Ian Howell, countertenor
No comments:
Post a Comment