Christmas Classics

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 My YouTube algorithm has included a lot of classical music for Christmas including such hits at the Nutcracker and selections from Bach.  It seems classical music and Christmas go hand-in-hand. I have been to a number of live performances at this time of year.  I also love listening to many of the old hymns that have been sung in churches for nearly 200 years or more.  But then too there are the old Christmas songs that haven't been around nearly as long, but they are enjoyable to hear.

The Messiah is often performed at both Christmas and Easter.  But I can listen to Handel's Water Music most anytime.  The best rendition of Pachelbel's Canon is perhaps the one sung by the boy's choir on a track from The Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  Almost every time I hear that rendition I get misty-eyed because it is simply so well done.  There is a rock version of the Canon, but the one with boy's choir is by far the best.

I can go on and on about Christmas Classical music, but it just seems this time of year especially, Christmas music is everywhere and no one complains about it being too loud, too much, or too intrusive.  Retailers have a more secular themed selection except for what is often played on Christmas Eve when the secular changes over to religious for if but just a few hours before closing.  

And it seems every artist has a Christmas album with maybe a few of their own songs with the traditional songs and hymns.  I am not sure about my most hated Christmas songs, but it's either "Blue Christmas" by Elvis or "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt, who said it was her favorite songvto record.   Maybe the strangest of all Christmas songs is, "Gradma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," first performed and recorded by Elmo Shropshire in 1979.  The sappiest has to be  " The Christmas Shoes," performed by the Christian group NewSong.  Finally, I believe it's Mariah Carey who holds the record for having one song that has made it to number one the most times with her hit song, "All I want for Christmas is You,"  but it's not high on my list, although it's on everyone elses.  

Now,I digress from writing about classic music for Christmas, but perhaps you have your list of Christmas songs.  Perhaps the strangest duet is Bing Cosby and David Bowie performing "The Little Drummer Boy."  But this is my list.  My favorite piece performed often this time of year is Pachelbel's Canon.  I can listen to most anything by Bach, but I think I enjoy listening to "Jesu, Thou Joy of Man's Desiring" the most at Christmas. 

It seems Christmas brings out some unusual music with some performers and groups creating that one special Christmas song famous the world over.  I can't name just one favorite Christmas song, but my choice might be "Silent Night,"  with John Denver and the Muppets. "The First Noel" by most anyone might be a close second.  So, I just hope you enjoy the music of the season as much as I do.  I just enjoy listening to Christmas music as I smoke my pipe and reflect on the season.  Today it is my Nording Angel pipe with my Christmas Spice, which might not last through the season.  Thank you for your time and Peace to each one of you.

Dave

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