Monthly Archives: December 2018

When Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans came to power in England in 1647, the celebration of Christmas and singing carols was stopped. However, the carols survived as people still sang them in secret. Carols remained mainly unsung until Victorian times. … Continue reading →

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 that, their use expanded as songs sung during festivals.  Because they are … Continue reading →

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