Canadian Christmas Songs
Canadian Christmas music is often considered a simmering stew of
different flavours and aromas that blend together in perfect
harmony. Many current melodies can be traced back to European
cities as well as other exotic cultures around the world. The
beauty of Canadian music is that there are so many different genres
within the Christmas category. The most popular would be
traditional Canadian Christmas songs that are commonly written
about the birth of Jesus and include other aspects of Christianity.
On the other side of the spectrum, some people prefer comical
holiday tunes that are cheerfully sung during kitchen parties, as
others choose pop ballads that are written by chart-topping
artists. Whatever your style, Canadian Christmas Carols have
something to warm the bottom of any Christmas lover's heart.
Although considered Canada's oldest Christmas Carol, The "Huron
Carol" was not actually written by a native Canadian citizen. Jean
de Brébeuf, a French missionary who martyred near Lake Huron wrote
this hymn in 1643 under its original title, "Jesous Ahatonhia"
("Jesus, he is born"). Upon arriving to Canada, Jean de Brebeuf
immersed himself into the Huron native culture and committed
himself to their language and customs. His lyrics were initially
written in the native language of the Huron indigenous people and
the melody was sung in the style of an old French folksong. This
hymn describes the well known religious story of Jesus and the
nativity. You are more likely to hear the carol sung in English
today, under the title "Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" which is
not a directly translated version. This English hymn's lyrics were
written by Jesse Edgar Middleton in 1926 and speak more towards a
native narrative rather than one speaking for traditional
Christianity. Often these English lyrics are altered to provide
more of a Christian voice. Regardless of its form, The "Huron
Carol" still remains in Canadian churches across the country and is
widely received as Canada's first Christmas Carol.
Speaking in terms of publishing, the oldest Canadian Christmas
Carol in print is regarded as "A Canadian Christmas Carol" composed
by James P. Clarke. Clarke became a renowned musician and is
considered one of Canada's finest composers. This song, among
others belonging to him, was first published in the 'Anglo-Canadian
Magazine' in 1853.
In the early 19th century, history suggests that songs regarding
Christmas were mostly of European origin as the new world was still
fairly young. These songs were either direct versions of carols
written in the old country, or they were variants that had evolved
over time. This has been observed most notably in what is known as
Nova Scotia after English settlers arrived. Their carols were
adaptations of old English songs which included "The Seven Joys of
Mary" and "The Cherry Tree Carol".
In contrast, toward the end of the 19th century, you could say
that a boom erupted within Canada in regards to composing holiday
carols. Joseph-Julien Perrault, a choirmaster and composer from
Montreal is considered one of Canada's most notable carol
composers. He is most famous for his 1859-1860's work, "Messe de
Noël: 'Deo infanti'". Composers which followed Perrualt in later
years included Clarence Lucas, Arthur Poynter, and Geoffrey O'Hara
who have made great contributions to Canadian music including
Lucas' "The Birth of Christ", Poynter's "The Birth of our Lord",
and O'Hara's operetta "The Christmas Thieves". Christmas songs
around this time were not limited to lyrical hymns. Pieces that
were purely orchestral were also popular around this time. Many
composers including Wolfgang Bottenberg, F.R.C. Clarke and Jean
Coulthard created instrumental masterpieces along with many other
notable composers.
In regards to current Canadian artists, many musicians born in
Canada have written original works, as well as recorded traditional
carols, for their respectful albums. A number of these musicians
have created special Christmas albums that are filled with
wonderful festive songs for the holiday season. These artists
include the widely popular Anne Murray, Celine Dion, and the
children's entertainer, Raffi. Album compositions are not limited
to 'Christmas only' records, with some artists including an
original Christmas song on an album that is not Christmas
exclusive. Bryan Adams and Tori Amos are two notable Canadian
musicians who have included Christmas style carols on their
non-holiday albums.
Comical carols have also been written by Canadians over the
years. One of the most famous Christmas parody songs would be Bob
and Doug Mackenzie's version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"
which was showcased on CBC Television. We could also never forget
Johnny Bower's rendition of "Honky the Christmas Goose" written by
Canadian comics, Chip Young and Orville Hoover.
Whether it is your personal choice to sing a carol which is
reminiscent of the holy nativity, or a comical tune to sing while
having a few beer, Canadian Christmas Carols will be here to enjoy
until the end of time.
Comments