A Closer Look at 3 (more!) Christmas Carols

In this festive episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we'll explore the stories behind three classic Christmas carols: “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “The First Noel,” and “Silent Night.” Each carol has a rich history and has been cherished across generations for its beauty and meaning.

What We Cover in This Episode:

Angels We Have Heard on High

• Originated as the French carol “Les Anges dans nos campagnes.”
• Features the famous “Gloria” refrain with its joyful melisma.
• Believed to have roots in 18th-century French shepherd songs.

The First Noel

• Traditional English carol from Cornwall, telling the story of the first Christmas night.
• Likely originated from Miracle Plays in medieval England.
• Its repetitive, meditative melody makes it a favorite in both casual and formal settings.

Silent Night

• Written in Austria in 1818 by Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber.
• Composed for guitar accompaniment when the church organ was damaged.
• Known for its peaceful message and was famously sung during the WWI Christmas Truce in 1914.

Episode Extras:

Curated Playlist

• Check out a variety of performances of today’s featured carols on YouTube. Visit the playlist here.

Related Episode

• If you enjoyed this episode, don’t miss Episode 35, where we explored the stories behind “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy to the World,” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

Music Credits:

• Angels We Have Heard on High - Christmas piano instrumental with lyrics
• The First Noel (Orchestral Version)
• The First Noel (Acoustic Folk Version)
• Silent Night - Christmas piano instrumental with lyrics
• Silent Night
• Angels, We Have Heard On High (Symphony Orchestra Version)

Thanks for tuning in!
Enjoy a holiday season filled with joy, music, and perhaps a little caroling! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

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