Published: December 2007
Although music has accompanied the observance of Christmas since Christianity’s earliest days, the incorporation of hymns and vernacular carols into church celebrations is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi who staged the first nativity play in the 13th century. The custom spread from Italy throughout the world and, except during early Reformation when secular music was forbidden at religious gatherings, music making and musical performances have become integral to the celebration of Christmas.
@BC presents a sampling of seasonal music, recorded last year by the University Chorale of Boston College, the Boston College Symphony Orchestra, and the University Wind Ensemble. In addition to classics by Tchaikovsky, Handel, and Leroy Anderson, we include a carol by English composer John Rutter (b. 1945), a prolific composer of choral music, and a piece for wind ensemble by American Alfred Reed (1921-75), a Julliard-trained composer of instrumental and choral music.
Musical Selections:
University Chorale and the Boston College Symphony Orchestra
- “Trepak” (from Nutcracker Suite), by Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky; Boston College Symphony Orchestra, directed by John Finney (1:31)
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- “A Christmas Festival,” by Leroy Anderson; University Chorale of Boston College and the Boston College Symphony Orchestra, directed by John Finney (6:49)
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- “Candlelight Carol,” by John Rutter; University Chorale of Boston College and the Boston College Symphony Orchestra, directed by John Finney (3:39)
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- “For Unto Us a Child Is Born,” (from The Messiah), by George Frideric Handel; University Chorale of Boston College and the Boston College Symphony Orchestra, directed by John Finney (4:21)
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- “A Christmas Intrada,” by Alfred Reed; University Wind Ensemble, directed by Sebastian Bonaiuto (9:55)
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