Monthly Archives: December 2017

Are All Christmas Carols Carols?

Posted on December 10, 2017 by Brad

The word carol comes from the old French word carole, a circle dance accompanied by singers. Carols were very popular as dance songs during the 12 through 14th centuries, after which their use expanded as songs sung during festivals.  Because they are … Continue reading →

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Christmas Carols on the Ballet Stage

Posted on December 9, 2017 by Brad

  The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (op. 71). The libretto is adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” It was given its première … Continue reading →

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Beethoven’s Christmas Contribution

Posted on December 8, 2017 by Brad

  “Ode To Joy” is the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth and last Symphony. The German composer was increasingly aware of his declining health and spent seven years working on this symphony, starting the work in 1818 and finishing early … Continue reading →

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