Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs

Subject: Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs
From: cnd
Date: 06 Dec 15 - 05:35 PM

So I've been working on a Christmas CD for my family, and have been having trouble finding versions of certain songs I like. In general, I'm not picky about music, but with Christmas music, it absolutely HAS to be the version I'm used to or nothing else. So in desperation, I'm coming here.

I've looked everywhere for a version I liked of Winter Wonderland, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Good King Wenceslas (though I actually haven't looked that much for this last one) and was wondering what everyone's favorite traditional versions of these songs were. You can also put other favorite songs of yours here if you want.

Subject: RE: Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 07 Dec 15 - 04:07 AM

According to Mr. Google, "Winter Wonderland was first published in 1934. The composer was Felix Bernard (1897-1944) and the lyricist was Richard B. Smith (1901-1935)" and it is still under copyright to "Redwood Music Ltd., WB Music Corp.", so can there be a traditional version?

Subject: RE: Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs
From: cnd
Date: 07 Dec 15 - 06:07 AM

Well, by that I meant traditional, older version. The type "old" people would have listened to. I guess not really traditional, but classic.

Subject: RE: Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs
From: Marcy
Date: 07 Dec 15 - 09:43 AM

I'm picky about Christmas music too.I like traditional Christmas tunes with a Renaissance or old world flavor, but that's personal preference. If you like that style, Check out the Christmas Revels shows on NPR each year. They do Christmas tunes really well I think. They also have a few CDs out.

Subject: RE: Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs
From: Airymouse
Date: 07 Dec 15 - 04:52 PM

The comma between merry and gentlemen in "God rest you merry, gentlemen" is important, but nowadays the hymn is sung as if they were just merry gentlemen. As for the Good King Wenceslas, the tune is a venerable spring carol (Tempus Adest Floridum) and even the translation from the original Latin is far better poetry than the odd stuff about the snow lying even. You can see if you agree by googling "Spring has now unwrapped her flowers."

Subject: RE: Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 09:34 AM

I co-present a traditional / folk music programme called "The Wednesday Session", on "SHMU FM", the local community radio station in Aberdeen. This will be our second year of a Christmas-themed programme, on Wednesday 23rd. I've been looking for Christmas CDs for the programme, and found one a week ago which has versions of both "Good King Wenceslas" and "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" [sic ]. The CD title is "An English Folk Christmas", and there is a web address on the sleeve :

www.thegiftofmusic.com

Musicians are :

Ian Giles - voice [soloist ] and drum
John Spiers - melodeon and tenor
Jon Bowden - fiddle and voice [ soloist ]
Giles Lewin - fiddle, pipes, flute and voice

I think that may be quite close to what the original poster is looking for. Just had a look and there are several available for sale on eBay.

Subject: RE: Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs
From: Reinhard
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 09:41 AM

Can't they even spell Jon Boden's name correctly?

Subject: RE: Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 12:54 PM

Apparently not, 3 times.

Subject: RE: Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs
From: Joe Offer
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 02:21 PM

I have a book called Who Wrote That Song? that often gives good information about the "seminal" recordings of songs. It says that "Winter Wonderland" was published in 1934, with words by Richard B. Smith and music by Felix Bernard. It was popularized by Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians, and recorded in 1946 by The Andrews Sisters. Wikipedia has a good page on the song. Wikipedia says the original recording was by Richard Himber and his Hotel Ritz-Carlton Orchestra on RCA Bluebird in 1934.

Here's the 1934 recording of the song by Guy Lombardo, with vocals by The Trio. The record label says the song is from "Ziegfield Follies."

Here's the Andrews Sisters recording, with Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians. Can't say I'm familiar with this version at all. Perry Como and Johnny Mercer also had very successful 1946 recordings, and those I am very familiar with.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 03:51 PM

My favourite Christmas albums are by Maddy Prior and The Carnival band. Some great versions of traditional songs There. I love Loreena MacKennits verson of Good King Weceslas as well. In fact, her album "To Drive The Cold Winter away" is one of our most played. Although not strictly speaking a "Christmas record, it certainly evokes the season.
Hope your search goes well and a Happy Christmas to you.

Subject: RE: Favorite Trd Versions of Christmas Songs
From: GUEST,Ebor Fiddler
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 06:58 PM

There are several CD's of the Sheffield Carols out. I got mine from EFDSS. As soon as Armistice Day is past, they alternate in my car player until Twelfth Night. Great stuff, both to to hear and sing.