Regifting Some Gems From Holidays Long Past
Some songs are played every year, but others languish unsung.
We're all familiar with the famous holiday songs like "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World" — sometimes too familiar. But just like that box of misfit toys up in the attic, there are countless songs that no one plays anymore. Tom Manoff looks at some music he's listening to this season that never made it to the favorites list, from the medieval Hungarian to the early American.
Misfit Tunes: Little Known Holiday Music
Christmas Music From Medieval Hungary
- Artist: Anonymous 4
- Song: Omnes Unanimiter
The haunting, cerebral sounds in this tune reach back to a tradition at least a thousand years old, and most likely far older. Written by an unknown composer in medieval Hungary, it's performed to perfection by the vocal group Anonymous 4.
Purchase Featured Music
- "Omnes Unanimiter "
- Album: Christmas Music From Medieval Hungary
- Artist: Anonymous 4
- Label: Classical Express
- Released: 2001
Carols From The Old And New Worlds, Vol. II
- Artist: The Pro Arte Singers
- Song: Shiloh
Born in Boston before the American Revolution, composer William Billings is regarded today as the father of American choral music. His style was often criticized as rough-hewn in comparison with European music. It is unmistakably American with its sturdy New England hymn influence. This energetic Christmas piece is conducted by the legendary choral conductor Paul Hillier.
A Festival Of Nine Lessons & Carols
- Artist: King's College Choir of Cambridge
- Song: A Tender Shoot
The Kings' College Cambridge Choir is one of the finest choral groups in the world. I play them endlessly throughout the holiday season. Here's a little-known carol called "A Tender Shoot," which, as the words tell us: "Blooms in the cold bleak winter, turning out darkness into light."
Purchase Featured Music
- "A Tender Shoot"
- Album: A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
- Artist: King's College Choir of Cambridge
- Label: EMI
- Released: 1999
A Feast of Songs: Holiday Music From The Middle Ages
- Artist: Barry Hall
- Song: Patapan
Barry and Beth Hall are folk musicians who play medieval music with exuberance. This instrumental piece is based on the old Christmas carol "Patapan."
Purchase Featured Music
- "Patapan"
- Album: A Feast of Songs: Holiday Music from the Middle Ages
- Artist: Barry Hall
- Label: Hallistic
- Released: 2003
More From This Series
Deceptive Cadence
Ringing In The New Year With Double Octaves
Fridays are funnier with a classical cartoon at noon, from Deceptive Cadence.
Deceptive Cadence
The Santaland Philharmonic Orchestra In Rehearsal
Fridays are funnier with a classical cartoon at noon, from Deceptive Cadence.
Holiday Music
Some Christmas Tunes From Rebecca Kilgore And Pals
For the holidays, Fresh Air presents an in-studio concert from singer Rebecca Kilgore.
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