This Arts First Special explores the history and traditions of the great Christmas carol. We take a look at how the carol emerged, has been shaped by different influences and communities, and how they continue to change. As it’s a Christmas Special and we have so much great material we took the bold decision of splitting it into four short parts with plenty of overlapping material.
In part one Michael and Niall speak with historian and chorister Kevin Yuill about the origins and development of Christmas carols, from their medieval roots to their movement between sacred and secular settings. Our conversation introduces key questions that run throughout: what defines a carol, how popular and religious traditions interact, and why carols have proved so adaptable and enduring.
In the second part we take a look at folk and secular traditions, and community carol singing outside the Church, while in part three we dig down into the relationship between carols and the organised Church, in its varied liturgical forms. The final part we gets us to some really fun recordings. We talk to our friends about what carols mean to them and what they are up to this Christmas. We even persuade one or two of them to give us a few lines of their favourite carols.
And as you’d expect there’s lots of music along the way. We’ve been recording in pubs, in churches, in people’s gardens. Music from part one comes from Mick’s wonderful SYRINX Choir, who are performing a song called Winter Song written by Anna Tabbush. You can find that on Spotify.
We hope you enjoy this episode. Parts two, three and four will be out before Christmas Day so please stay tuned.
Merry Christmas!
