Category Archives: Uncategorized

“Auf! Auf Doch, Ihr Kinder!” #Music

Posted on by

Download Mp3

This is a German folk song, urging children to “Get up!” (Auf) on Christmas morning and celebrate the Christ Child. I couldn’t find more information about it, except the lyrics, which I couldn’t remember well enough to sing. However, this is a beautiful melody, and I hope you enjoy hearing it on zither, viola, and alto recorder!

“What Child Is This?” Bonus DSE #Christmas #Music

Posted on by

Download Mp3

William Chatterton Dix wrote the lyrics to this well-known Christmas carol in 1865, after undergoing both a severe illness and a spiritual renewal. His lyrics were later set to the traditional English folk song, “Greensleeves,” the melody we still sing today–but typically with some accidentals added. “What Child Is This?” is more popular in the United States than in Great Britain today.

Here is the traditional tune, without the accidentals, played on lyre and zither simultaneously. This is another
Double Strung Experiment
that is especially beautiful at this time of year.

I hope you enjoy this arrangement!

There’s still time to participate in my
Holiday Blogging Party!
Click the link to learn how!

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” #Music

Posted on by

Download Mp3

This song needs no introduction. 🙂 But, for the sake of completeness, here is a little background. The author of this traditional English carol is unknown. It’s been sung by carolers, wassailers, and mummers since the 19th century, and perhaps earlier. The organist and composer Arthur Warrell popularized this carol. He arranged it for the University of Bristol Madrigal Singers as a very elaborate four-part harmony arrangement, which they performed in 1935. The song remains popular today, both in the United Kingdom and the United States.

I hope you enjoy this arrangement, played on zither, viola, and alto recorder! And I wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Want to participate in my Holiday Blogging Party? There’s still time!
Click here to learn how!

“Tu Scendi dalle Stelle” #Italian #Christmas #Music

Posted on by

Download Mp3

“Tu Scendi dalle Stelle” (“From Starry Skies Thou Comest”) is an Italian Christmas carol written in 1732. You can find the lyrics, one English translation, and other historical information on the
Wikipedia page
for this song.

I learned this carol from my Italian professor, Signora de Santis, when I was 16. Here I play it on lyre and Oriole soprano recorder, and sing the Italian lyrics. I hope you enjoy this beautiful carol!