A brief history of Christmas carols
During the period, in England the tradition of Christmas carols originated. At first carols denoted songs with a structure. These early carols were straightforward. Sung by a voice. However as time passed and the 15th century arrived they transformed into compositions featuring voices harmonizing together.
These carols not aimed to spread joy and commemorate the season but also carried a deeper meaning. They were closely linked to acts of kindness and generosity paying tribute to those recognized for their philanthropic deeds.
This is how a historian described one of the noble dukes of Bohemia, Vaclav Wenceslaus, who was a well-known humanitarian and a pious man.
“Rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet and only one chamberlain, he went around to God’s churches and gave alms generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty…”
Vaclav Wenceslaus
You can download a free music sheet titled “Good King Wenceslas” and play it on your accordion this Christmas!
Christmas carols have come a way evolving from chants, to intricate compositions that beautifully capture the festive spirit of the holiday season. What makes these carols so special is their ability to bring people together creating a sense of community and shared tradition that transcends backgrounds.
Thanks to the advent of radio, television and digital streaming platforms carols now have a reach like never before touching the hearts of people, over the world. The universal themes of joy, hope and peace found in Christmas music resonate across cultures acting as a force during this time of year. It’s this appeal combined with the feelings and cherished memories that carols evoke that continue to make them an essential part of Christmas celebrations worldwide.
Christmas carols have always been a cherished way for people to express their religious devotion. In England, towards the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, carols started to incorporate elements of folk music, creating a beautiful blend of traditions.
Christmas carols across Europe
Once the Oxford university published the book, “The Oxford Book of Carols” in 1928 with a variety of Christmas carols from all over the world, carols became associated with the Christmas season.
Christmas carols and songs inspired by religious content drawn from traditional European Christian beliefs, mixed with secular songs from rich European folklore make up a beautiful Christmas atmosphere across the old world.
This new anthology of Christmas carols is the most comprehensive edition ever published. It encompasses the history of carols from their early days in the UK and the rest of Europe to the Christmas carols in North America. This book contains lyrics of 201 carols and is a valuable companion to anyone who wants to play carols on an accordion or any musical instrument.
Some of the most beautiful Christmas carols were authored by English, German and Austrian composers. Since most of the carols were composed for the organ or the piano, playing them on an accordion is quite common.
Although Christmas carols can and often are played on a button accordion (Russian bayan) most accordionists in Europe and the US play Christmas music on piano accordions.
Beautiful miniature figurine of a cat playing a Christmas carol on an accordion. Great for decorating a room or a Christmas tree area during holidays.
Seeing and hearing a busker on the streets of Germany, France, or Croatia, playing a Christmas carol is quite common during November and December.
Some of the most popular Christmas carols composed by European composers are:
In the Bleak Midwinter by Christina Rossetti
Three Kings by Ivor Atkins
Silent Night by Joseph Mohr
Gifting an accordion for Christmas could be the best holiday gift ever!
Giving someone an accordion, as a Christmas gift is not an unique idea but its also perfect timing to ignite a new passion. The holiday season with its warmth and family gatherings provides the backdrop for learning to play Christmas carols on this instrument.
The accordions beautiful and harmonious tones can bring the carols to life capturing the essence of the season and creating moments and traditions. Whether its for someone who has shown interest, in playing or an experienced musician looking to explore sounds the accordion offers musical possibilities just in time to fill the holidays with the joyous melodies of beloved Christmas songs.
Hohner Piano Accordions 1303-RED 12 Bass Entry Level Accordion
Hohner Accordion Bundle
This is a great bundle deal comprised of :
Christmas songs in America
Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. While most countries begin annual Christmas celebrations in December, some start them as early as November or even September. Christmas carols, melodies, and songs are an iconic part of the Christmas season.
Some of the most famous Christmas carols written by American artists that became global hits are listed in a table below.
| Christmas Carol Title | Year | Famous Chorus |
| Silent Night | 1818 | “Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.” |
| Jingle Bells | 1857 | “Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh!” |
| O Holy Night | 1847 | “Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born.” |
| White Christmas | 1942 | “May your days be merry and bright, And may all your Christmases be white.” |
| Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer | 1949 | “You’ll go down in history!” |
In North America, Christmas songs are usually played on a piano or a guitar but Christmas carols on an accordion were widely played in the 1950s and 1960s. Since accordions are gaining popularity again, Christmas music and folk songs are becoming popular worldwide.
American Christmas hits are played on accordions across Europe and European Christmas carols are often played across the American continent.
Christmas songs for Accordion by Hal Leonard is a great book for a beginner or intermediate-level accordionist. Containing all the classic hits like “Frosty the Snowman“, “Jingle-Bell Rock“, “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” and others, this book is an ideal resource for those who want to master the Christmas classics.
Undoubtedly one of the most prolific songwriters of Christmas carols in America was John David Marks whose nickname was Mr. Christmas. This songwriter is a national treasure who left an amazing legacy. Johnny’s songs have been covered by artists and musicians globally countless times. Some of the most popular Christmas songs he wrote are:
If you would like to buy an accordion before Christmas this year and learn to play a few Christmas carols by ear, then you are at the right place. Below, we’ve selected a book that will teach you how to play the most popular Christmas songs on the accordion even if you don’t know how to read musical notes. Playing the accordion is simpler than you think!
Sounds of an accordion are associated with folklore music and nothing creates a more idyllic atmosphere than folklore tunes that warm up our hearts. Playing a favorite folk tune or a carol on Christmas or New Year’s eve is a common practice amongst many families across Europe and various immigrant communities in the United States.
Conclusion and final thoughts
Sounds of an accordion are associated with folklore music and nothing creates a more idyllic atmosphere than folklore tunes that warm up our hearts. Playing a favorite folk tune or a carol on Christmas or New Year’s eve is a common practice amongst many families across Europe and various immigrant communities in the United States.
As accordions and accordion music are going through revival globally and Christmas songs are growing in popularity, learning how to play carols on your accordion will make holidays a lot merrier and more fun.
Dino is a hobbyist accordionist who loves music, photography, architecture, design and a slew of other fun things. He decided to launch this blog due to an increasing popularity of the accordion. He learned how to play the accordion by ear as a child and then progressed on to keyboards and eventually a drum set. He grew up in the Balkans and now lives in California where he occasionally plays the accordion at birthday parties and NYE celebrations. He now shares his love for the accordion through this blog.
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