Christmas carol, a sweet song of songs, sung once of old…

Ever wondered why Christmas carols ring in not just the festive spirit, but also the meaning of the festival in our lives? Over the centuries, carol singing has been part and parcel of every Christmas celebration. From the advent of the season to its culmination in the first week of January, it is Joy to the world all around.

Irrespective of the new compositions that happen every now and then, traditional carols have always held fort all along. In fact, many new composers have tried their hands at modernising the traditional carols to cater to the newer generations.

According to Samuel Abeysekara, a Chennai-based choirmaster and conductor, “Traditional carols are generally very meaningful and touching. The composers write them bearing in mind the situations, circumstances and also based on their personal experiences. Most of the carols come with a sentimental value and that is why we all love to sing the same old songs every season. We also continue to sing them so that these great compositions are not forgotten.”

According to Kimberley, a media professional, the melodious carol Away in a manger symbolises innocence. “Even if a grown up sings the carol, the innocence is still retained. Moreover, whenever we sing that carol, we are not only glorifying God, but also humbling ourselves — his children,” she said.

Talking about the well-known carol O come, all ye faithful, Abeysekara says that it is always sung during the beginning of the service as an invitation for people to partake in the Christmas spirit.

The original version of this particular carol has been translated from Latin into many languages many times. However, the translation by English Roman Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley is particularly widespread.

Though Abeysekara himself belongs more to the old-school of thought, he is open to modern composers churning out meaningful melodies. “I would always love to welcome new composers. We can’t dispute modern compositions. They too, convey the meaning of the season,” he said.

Hark! The herald angels sing is yet another Christmas carol, written by Charles Wesley — the man who wrote more than 5,000 hymns — that first appeared in 1739 and has since retained its charm. Interestingly, the original opening couplet was written Hark! How all the welkin rings/ Glory to the King of Kings, but was later altered at various hands, most notably George Whitefield, Wesley’s co-worker, who changed the opening couplet to the familiar one known today.

“Ancient carols are revered, respected and loved by everyone always. They have got their own value. However, these days, this classic genre of music is liked more by the older generation, while the younger ones prefer modernised versions,” said Abeysekara.

Yet another popular carol is Joy to the world written by Isaac Watts. First published in 1719 in one of his collections, Watts wrote this as a hymn glorifying Christ’s triumphant return at the end of the age, rather than a carol. Interestingly, only the second half of Watts’ lyrics are still used today during Christmas time. The music was adapted and arranged by Lowell Mason in 1839 from an older melody which was then believed to have originated from GF Handel.

While the list of traditional carols is innumerable, one carol that stands out at any service or concert is Silent night, holy night, which was written originally in German by an Austrian priest. The solemnity of this carol brings in a feeling of Christ’s birth in every individual’s heart.

Even as we tune in to welcome the spirit of Christmas in our homes, may the meaning
of each carol bring a change in one and all.