A Christmas Feeling Review
The French noël, the English carol, the Spanish villancico, the German Weihnachtlied, the American pop holiday song—all of these partake of one of the most venerable musical traditions in the western world. In its earliest forms, Christmas music probably emanated from pre-Christian music to celebrate the winter solstice; subsequent generations contributed more varied influences: Byzantine Liturgy, Medieval plainchant, Renaissance polyphony, rustic dances, and Protestant hymns. For this collection, Stephen Robinson has unearthed a few rarely heard gems from the guitar repertoire, and he has also asked some of his friends, including several of the most eminent guitarists and composers of our times, to contribute new music to this ancient tradition. He has also contributed an original piece of his own, revealing an uncommon talent for melody which is here in good company. Read more...
