Listen to Edward Elgar's "Holly and the Ivy"

Listen to Edward Elgar's "Holly and the Ivy"

In our post last year on the Christmas Music of Edward Elgar, we stated we could not find a recording of his 1898-composed "The Holly and the Ivy."

We were listening to an episode of The Choral Chihuahua Podcast, specifically, the December 22, 2022 episode, and it was mentioned Elgar's "Holly and the Ivy" was played on BBC Radio 3's Essential Classics with Georgia Man. You can hear the episode, with Elgar's "Holly and Ivy" being the third piece played by going to this link:

BBC Radio 3 - Essential Classics, Georgia Mann

That piece was recorded by the City of Birmingham Symphony and Choir.

The Elgar piece from 1898, is rarely performed and has been rarely recorded. We posted it on our Instagram Page and tagged many ensembles hoping to spur them to record it. The BBC Radio 3 audio will only be available until January 18, 2022.

Schweizer Vokalconsort releases Christmas in Switzerland

Schweizer Vokalconsort releases Christmas in Switzerland

At Christmas, we are especially touched by vocal music. Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio ensures sold-out churches for organizers. "Last Christmas," "Silent Night," and "Feliz Navidadare" played over and over again in department stores. Choral music also provides a suitable musical setting for baking Christmas biscuits and wrapping presents. 

What is it that makes this music so appealing? Is it just the memories and traditions associated with it, or does the general atmosphere of Christmas songs already result in a radically different sound? Even in a secular world, Advent and Christmas maintain their central importance in the course of the year. The focus has evolved from the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus to a festival of mutual affection.