Music theory has never sounded so catchy with this witty remake of the holiday classic The Christmas Song (with apologies to Mel Torme) Try not to laugh at the ending.
Though it is a bit humorous, this version titled ‘Intervals Roasting’, with lyrics by David Rakowski, attempts to encapsulate the fundamentals of music theory in just over two minutes.
It does a good job of explaining the intervals and harmonic structure of the song and also gives you an idea of how to use music theory to analyze or compose music.
The O’Connor Music Studio has a copy if anyone wants to learn this 🙂
• 1723 ~ Carl Friedrich Abel, German composer of the Classical era. He was a renowned player of the viola da gamba, and composed important music for that instrument.
• 1808 ~ Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony given world premiere in Vienna.
• 1821 ~ Giovanni Bottesini, Italian Romantic composer, conductor, and a double bass virtuoso
• 1853 ~ Maria Teresa Carreno, Venezuelan pianist, singer, composer, and conductor.
• 1858 ~ Giacomo Puccini, Italian opera composer More information about Puccini
• 1874 ~ Franz Schmidt, Austrian composer, cellist and pianist.
• 1883 ~ Edgard Varèse, French-born American avant-garde composer More information about Varèse
• 1885 ~ (Joseph) Deems Taylor, American opera composer and writer, music critic for New York World from 1921 until 1925, New York American from 1931 to 1932, intermission commentator for Sunday radio broadcasts of NY Philharmonic (1936 to 1943), president of ASCAP, married to poet and playwright Mary Kennedy
• 1894 ~ Claude Debussy’s first orchestral masterpiece “Prélude à l’apres-midi d’un faune” premiered in Paris
• 1901 ~ André Kostelanetz, Russian-born American conductor and arranger of Broadway show tunes
• 1939 ~ Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey (Mother of the Blues) passed away
• 1941 ~ Jimmy Lunceford and his orchestra recorded Blues in the Night on Decca. The song became one of Lunceford’s biggest hits. Between 1934 and 1946 Jimmy Lunceford had more hits (22) than any other black jazz band (except Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway).
• 1944 ~ Barry Jenkins, Drummer with Nashville Teens and also the Animals
• 1946 ~ Rick Nielsen, Guitarist, singer with Cheap Trick
• 1949 ~ Maurice Gibb, Bass, songwriter with the Bee Gees, married to singer Lulu, twin of Robin Gibb. The Bee Gees sold over 200 million records and were one of the most popular groups from the mid 60’s to late 70’s.
• 1949 ~ Robin Gibb, Songwriter for Bee Gees, twin of Maurice Gibb
• 1958 ~ The Chipmunks were at the #1 position on the music charts on this day in 1958 as Alvin, Simon, and Theodore sang with David Seville. The Chipmunk Song, the novelty tune that topped the charts for a month, is still a Christmas favorite today…
Christmas, Christmas time is near Time for toys and time for cheer We’ve been good, but we can’t last Hurry Christmas, hurry fast
Want a plane that loops the loop Me, I want a hula hoop We can hardly stand the wait Please Christmas, don’t be late.
• 1972 ~ Folk singer Joni Mitchell received a gold record for the album, For the Roses. The album included the song, You Turn Me on, I’m a Radio.
• 1981 ~ London was the scene of a rock ’n’ roll auction where buyers paid $2,000 for a letter of introduction from Buddy Holly to Decca Records. Cynthia and John Lennon’s marriage certificate was worth $850 and an autographed program from the world premiere of the Beatles film Help! brought $2,100.
• 1984 ~ CBS Records announced plans for the release of Mick Jagger’s first solo album, set for February,
• 1985 ~ The Rolling Stones went solo after a 20-year career with the self- proclaimed “greatest rock ’n’ roll band in the world.” The album: She’s the Boss.
• 2002 ~ Joe Strummer (John Mellors), who brought punk attitude and politics to one of the most significant bands in rock ‘n’ roll history, the Clash, died of a heart attack at his home in Somerset, England. He was 50. Strummer, a singer, guitarist, songwriter, activist and actor, had been touring with his band the Mescaleros since the release of their second album “Global a- Go-Go” in July 2001; the latest leg of the tour ended in November in Liverpool. The Clash, which formed in 1976, released its first album in ’77 and broke up for good in 1986, will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March. The original lineup of Strummer, Mick Jones, Terry Chimes and Paul Simonon was expected to re-form for the induction ceremony and play the band’s first single, “White Riot,” at the ceremony. Although it was written as an advertising tagline, the Clash successfully lived up to its slogan as “the only band that matters.” The son of a diplomat, Strummer was born John Graham Mellor on Aug. 21, 1952, in Ankara, Turkey. He attended boarding schools in London, and as a teenager grew infatuated with reggae, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll. He formed a pub band, the 101ers, in 1974, which he gave up to form the Clash with Jones, Chimes and Keith Levene. The band was playing standard rock ‘n’ roll prior to Strummer’s arrival. He added reggae to the mix and upped the ante in politics and intensity. He took a Jones tune, for example, that was a complaint about a girlfriend and turned it into one of the band’s early anthems, “I’m So Bored With the U.S.A.” “Within the Clash, Joe was the political engine of the band,” British troubadour Billy Bragg said. “Without Joe there’s no political Clash, and without the Clash the whole political edge of punk would have been severely dulled.” Jones and Strummer penned all of the tunes on their debut and often worked as a team, though later albums would have songs attributed solely to Strummer and, for their final two efforts, have all songs attributed to the band.
“O Come, All Ye Faithful,” originally penned in the reverent Latin tones as “Adeste Fideles,” is a Christmas carol shrouded in mystery and rich in history. This beloved hymn, a staple of holiday celebrations, is thought to have been crafted by a medley of historical figures. Among them are John Francis Wade (1711–1786), John Reading (1645–1692), and even King John IV of Portugal (1604–1656). The hymn’s origins are further mystified by the earliest manuscript bearing King John IV’s name, found nestled in the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa’s library.
Initially composed with four verses, the hymn has since blossomed into an eight-verse masterpiece, transcending language barriers and cultural divides. Its verses have been translated into a multitude of languages, spreading its message of faith and joy worldwide. The English rendition by Frederick Oakeley, an English Catholic priest, penned in 1841, has particularly resonated in the hearts of English-speaking audiences globally, becoming a cherished rendition of this classic hymn.
Today, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” stands not just as a carol but as a symbol of Christmas spirit and unity. If you’re drawn to the allure of this timeless hymn and wish to bring its melody into your own celebrations, the O’Connor Music Studio offers a variety of versions for those eager to learn and share in the joy and majesty of this classic Christmas carol. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a curious beginner, the store provides a gateway to experiencing and sharing the enduring magic of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
On December 21 at 1:30PM, the Pender UMC Choir traditionally sang for the Pan Am Flight 103 (Lockerbie) Memorial Service at Arlington National Cemetery.
One of the songs we sang at this service – “Under His Wings” – was composed in memory of the victims. It can be heard in the videos below.
On June 20, 2022, a Memorial Concert was held for long-time choir member, Diane Martini. The Pender Sanctuary Choir and the former Master Chorale of Washington sang several of Diane’s favorites, including Under His Wings.
A few years ago was the 25th anniversary of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing. A C-Span video of the anniversary event
• 1810 ~ Ludwig Schuncke, German pianist and composer, and close friend of Robert Schumann.
• 1850 ~ Zdenek Fibich, Czech composer of classical music
• 1913 ~ Andor Foldes, Pianist who played with Budapest Philharmonic at eight years of age
• 1921 ~ Alicia Alonso (Martinez Hoyo), Dancer
• 1933 ~ Freddie Hart, Country singer
• 1940 ~ Frank Zappa, American rock guitarist, composer, arranger and songwriter, with Mothers of Invention, father of Dweezil and Moon Unit Zappa
• 1944 ~ Michael Tilson Thomas, American conductor and pianist, jazz band conductor, led the London Symphony Orchestra and Los Angeles Philharmonic
More information about Tilson Thomas
• 1946 ~ Carl Wilson, Guitarist with The Beach Boys, brother of Brian and Dennis, his original group was Carl and the Passions
• 1953 ~ Andras Schiff, Hungarian pianist
• 1957 ~ Eric Coates, English viola player and composer, died at the age of 71
• 1966 ~ The Beach Boys received a gold record for the single, Good Vibrations.
• 1985 ~ Springsteen’s album, Born in the USA, passed Michael Jackson’s Thriller to become the second longest-lasting LP in the top 10. It stayed there for 79 weeks. Only The Sound of Music, with Julie Andrews, lasted longer at 109 weeks.
Gesù Bambino,” composed by the illustrious Pietro Yon, is a melodic treasure that resonates with the warmth and nostalgia of my childhood Christmases. Each note of this enchanting piece takes me back to those magical days when the church choir’s voices would rise in harmony, filling the air with the spirit of the festive season. This song, a staple of my yuletide memories, holds a special place in my heart, reminiscent of the joy and wonder of Christmas celebrated in the hallowed halls of my childhood church.
Though it seemed a hidden gem, known primarily within the circles of my church community, “Gesù Bambino” has recently found a renaissance, emerging in piano books and gaining recognition. Its melody, crafted in the year 1917, has an ethereal quality that transcends time and place.
The song’s enchanting tune was brilliantly adapted by Frederick H. Martens in his English carol “When Blossoms Flowered ‘mid the Snows.” Its chorus, a harmonious blend of melody and lyrics, draws inspiration from the classic carol “Adeste Fideles” (O Come All Ye Faithful), weaving a tapestry of musical heritage and tradition. This fusion of melodies creates a piece that is both familiar and fresh, evoking a sense of time-honored tradition while offering a unique auditory experience.
“Gesù Bambino” is not just a song; it’s a musical journey that captures the essence of Christmas, weaving together the threads of nostalgia, tradition, and the universal joy of the holiday season. Its rising popularity is a testament to its timeless beauty and its ability to touch hearts, just as it has touched mine since childhood.
A piano version
Piano and Organ
Sung by David Archuleta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
• 1728 ~ Franz Xaver Pokorny, Czech Classical era composer and violinist.
• 1783 ~ Padre Antonio Francisco Javier Jose Soler
• 1871 ~ Henry Kimball Hadley, American composer and conductor
• 1890 ~ Yvonne Arnaud, French-born pianist, singer and actress
• 1898 ~ Irene (Marie) Dunne, Actress in Show Boat, Anna and the King of Siam, Alternate Delegate to the United Nations, Kennedy Center Honors Lifetime Achievement Award in 1985.
• 1909 ~ Vagn Holmboe, Danish composer and music critic
• 1920 ~ An English-born comedian named Leslie Downes became an American citizen. He had lived in the United States since 1908 and became one of the nation’s true ambassadors for show business and charity. We say, “Thanks for the memories,” to Bob Hope.
• 1928 ~ For the first time, a living actress in the United States had a theater named after her. The Ethel Barrymore Theatre opened in New York City.
• 1932 ~ Al Jolson recorded April Showers on Brunswick Records.
• 1938 ~ John Harbison, American composer and conductor
• 1944 ~ Bobby Colomby, Drummer, singer with Blood, Sweat & Tears
• 1948 ~ Little Stevie Wright, Singer with The Easybeats
• 1949 ~ Harry Belafonte had his second session with Capitol Records. Included in the session were Whispering and Farewell to Arms. With eight tunes then recorded and little enthusiasm from record buyers, Capitol decided to part company with Belafonte by not renewing the singer’s contract. He went to RCA Victor in April 1952.
• 1952 ~ Jimmy Boyd reached the #1 spot on the record charts with the Christmas song of the year, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.
• 1957 ~ Billy (Steven) Bragg, Songwriter, guitarist, singer
• 1966 ~ Chris Robinson, Singer with The Black Crowes
• 1972 ~ Jack Albertson and Sam Levine starred as two retired vaudevillians in Neil Simon’s classic comedy, The Sunshine Boys, which opened at the Broadhurst Theatre in NYC. The play had a run of 538 performances. The movie version later became a box office smash, as well.
• 1973 ~ Singer Bobby Darin passed away following open-heart surgery at the age of 37. He left a legacy of memories in rock ’n’ roll and pop tunes, as well as on television and in movies (even an Oscar nomination for his role in Captain Newman, M.D.). The story of Darin being groomed to replace Frank Sinatra at Capitol Records is absolutely true. Unfortunately, Capitol didn’t think the grooming was going so well and withheld many of Darin’s songs for many years; releasing them in a compilation CD in 1995. Good stuff to listen to: Splish Splash, Queen of the Hop, Dream Lover, Mack the Knife, Beyond the Sea, If I Werea Carpenter, etc. At the end, Darin, who had recorded for Atco, Capitol and Atlantic Records had just begun recording for Motown.
• 1980 ~ Shirley Temple Black became a grandmother. Her oldest daughter gave birth to a baby girl.
• 1982 ~ Artur Rubinstein, pianist (My Young Years), died at the age of 95
• 1999 ~ Hank Snow passed away
• 2000 ~ Roebuck “Pops” Staples, patriarch of the Staple Singers whose lyrics on “Respect Yourself” and other hits delivered a civil rights message with a danceable soul beat, passed away. “They took this really positive message music and made it contemporary and popular by putting it with electric guitars and inserting a groove,” said Sherman Wilmott, who is helping create a museum in Memphis, Tennessee, honoring the musical stars at Stax Records, the Staple Singers’ principal label. Born in Winona, Mississippi, Staples learned to sing acapella and developed his Delta blues electric guitar style. Starting out as a gospel group in 1948, the Staple Singers with son Pervis and daughters Mavis and Cleotha as singers reached an even wider audience with 1970s soul hits such as Respect Yourself,I’ll Take You There and If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me). Before achieving stardom, Staples resisted taking his family on tour and held jobs in Chicago’s stockyards and steel mills. Staples came to believe he could contribute in song to the battle for blacks’ civil rights being waged by the Rev. Martin Luther King and others, Wilmott said. “He sang and played guitar. He was extremely well- spoken and calm and intelligent,” he said. Another daughter, Yvonne, told the Tribune: “When Dr. King started preaching, Pops said ‘I think we can sing it.’ That’s what he felt,” she said. “He believed that the world could be made a better place for all of us.” At age 80, Staples won a Grammy Award as a solo artist in 1994 for his album “Father Father.” He also received a National Heritage Fellowship Award at the White House from first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. The group entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. In a 1998 interview with the Tribune, Staples said his musical education began early. “We’d come home and didn’t have anything to do after we eat but go to bed. So we’d go out in the yard and sing.”
• 2000 ~ Rob Buck, lead guitarist for the rock band 10,000 Maniacs, died of liver failure at the age of 42, three weeks after he collapsed at his home in western New York.
• 2004 ~ Blues singer-guitarist Son Seals, one of the most distinctive voices to emerge in the genre during the 1970s, died at the age of 62. More information about Son Seals
• 2004 ~ Italian soprano Renata Tebaldi, one of the great post-World War II opera divas who Arturo Toscanini said had the “voice of an angel,” died at the age of 82. More information about Renata Tebaldi
The holiday season at the Company is a spellbinding time, completely enveloped in the enchanting world of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™. This production is a grand spectacle of artistry and imagination, a beloved holiday tradition that brings together an extraordinary ensemble of talent. With all 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 32 stagehands, and two casts of 50 young students each from the School of American Ballet, the Company transforms each performance into a mesmerizing experience.
Audiences, including children and adults from New York City and beyond, flock to the David H. Koch Theater, drawn by the irresistible allure of Tschaikovsky’s iconic music, Balanchine’s masterful choreography, Karinska’s lavish costumes, and Rouben Ter-Arutunian’s enchanting sets. This production, a magical adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas pere version of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” is a full-scale theatrical marvel.
The production’s visual splendor is nothing short of breathtaking. The stage comes alive with elaborate elements and sophisticated lighting, creating an immersive world that captivates the imagination. One of the most stunning features is the one-ton Christmas tree that astoundingly grows from 12 feet to 40 feet, eliciting gasps of wonder from the audience at each performance. The whimsical Mother Ginger costume, weighing 85 pounds and spanning nine feet, and the delicate snowflakes that dance through the air add to the magic, making the ballet a visual feast.
However, it is Balanchine’s choreography that is the heart of the ballet, guiding the audience through a journey from the familiar to the fantastical. Act I sets the stage with its charming characters – the Stahlbaum children, Marie and Fritz, Herr Drosselmeier and his Nephew – and culminates in the dreamlike Snowflake Waltz. Act II is a complete immersion into the fantastical “Kingdom of the Sugarplum Fairy,” where the line between reality and fantasy beautifully blurs.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ stands as one of the most complex and captivating staged ballets in the Company’s repertoire. Its immense popularity is a testament to its ability to ignite the holiday spirit in everyone’s heart, making it an integral and unforgettable part of the holiday season.
Despite its humble beginnings, where the original production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker did not immediately capture the public’s adoration, a remarkable transformation occurred over time. Tchaikovsky, with his masterful touch, crafted a 20-minute suite from the ballet’s music that soared in popularity, showcasing his genius in a new light. This suite became the beacon that eventually led to the ballet’s widespread acclaim.Despite its humble beginnings, where the original production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker did not immediately capture the public’s adoration, a remarkable transformation occurred over time. Tchaikovsky, with his masterful touch, crafted a 20-minute suite from the ballet’s music that soared in popularity, showcasing his genius in a new light. This suite became the beacon that eventually led to the ballet’s widespread acclaim.
From the late 1960s onwards, The Nutcracker underwent a renaissance, becoming a cherished staple of the holiday season. Its popularity skyrocketed, especially in North America, where it became synonymous with Christmas festivities. Today, The Nutcracker is an essential part of countless ballet companies’ repertoires, celebrated for its enchanting story and exquisite choreography.
The ballet’s commercial success is astounding, with major American ballet companies attributing approximately 40 percent of their annual ticket revenues to performances of The Nutcracker. This statistic alone speaks volumes about the ballet’s enduring appeal and its significant role in the cultural landscape of ballet and Christmas traditions alike.
Tchaikovsky’s score for The Nutcracker, with its lush, evocative melodies and intricate compositions, has risen to become one of his most renowned works. The pieces from the suite, in particular, have captivated audiences worldwide with their beauty and complexity, securing The Nutcracker’s place as not just a seasonal favorite, but a timeless masterpiece of classical music.
• 1888 ~ Fritz Reiner, Hungarian-born American conductor who was the musical director of the Pittsburgh Symphony, New York Metropolitan Opera and Chicago Symphony. He died in 1963
• 1915 ~ Edith Piaf (Edith Giovanna Gassion), French chanteuse and songwriter. The Little Sparrow” is regarded by many as France’s greatest female popular singer, Although she sang all her songs in French they were listened to around the world and recognized for the great voice she possessed. Her signature tune “La vie en rose” is our featured video today because even with the poor quality of recording it shows how talented she was.
• 1925 ~ ‘Little’ Jimmy Dickens, Country Music Hall of Famer
• 1928 ~ Galt MacDermot, Composer
• 1935 ~ Bobby Timmons, American jazz pianist
• 1940 ~ Phil Ochs, American folk singer, songwriter and guitarist
• 1941 ~ Maurice White, Singer, drummer, founder of the group Earth, Wind & Fire
• 1944 ~ Alvin Lee, Musician with Ten Years After
• 1944 ~ Zal Yanovsky, Guitarist, singer with The Lovin’ Spoonful
• 1952 ~ Jeff Davis, Bass with Amazing Rhythm Aces
• 1952 ~ Janie Fricke, Singer, Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year in 1982 and 1983
• 1957 ~ Meredith Willson’sThe Music Man opened at the Majestic Theatre in New York City. The Broadway show starred Robert Preston and had a run of 1,375 shows. It also had 76 trombones and 101 cornets in the band…
• 1960 ~ Neil Sedaka’s Calendar Girl was released on RCA Victor Records. The song became Sedaka’s fourth record to make the charts. Other hits from the guy who made money off of a love song for Carole King (Oh, Carol) include The Diary, Stairway to Heaven, Bad Girl, Next Door to an Angel, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Laughter in the Rain and Breaking Up is Hard to Do.
• 1960 ~ Frank Sinatra recorded his first session with his very own record company. Frank did Ring-A-Ding-Ding and Let’s Fall in Love for Reprise Records.
• 2000 ~ Milt Hinton, a jazz bassist and photographer called “The Judge” by the jazz greats he worked with and photographed during a 70-year career, died at the age of 90. During his career, Hinton performed with almost every luminary of jazz and popular music, from Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane to Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand and Paul McCartney. Hinton also documented his world with a camera, compiling close to 60,000 negatives depicting hundreds of jazz artists and popular musicians on the road, in the studio, backstage and at parties.
• 2001 ~ Bill Bissell, a former University of Washington marching band director who helped create “The Wave”, died in his sleep. He was 70. Bissell directed the Huskies’ band with flair, innovation and humor from 1970 until he retired in 1994. He and former Washington yell leader Robb Weller introduced “The Wave,” in which fans stand with arms raised and cheer section by section, to college football 20 years ago. Bissell directed halftime shows at 14 bowl games, including six Rose Bowls and an Orange Bowl, and was awarded a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association in 1981.
• 2004 ~ Renata Tebaldi, Italian soprano, died at the age of 82
• 2015 ~ Kurt Masur, German conductor (New York Philharmonic), died at the age of 88
Johnny Marks, born on November 10, 1909, and passing on September 3, 1985, stands out as a remarkable figure in the American songwriting panorama. His legacy is particularly intriguing given that, despite being Jewish, Marks carved out a unique niche for himself as a master composer of Christmas music. His extraordinary talent in this domain led him to pen a series of holiday standards that have become ingrained in the Christmas culture and festivities across the globe.
Marks’ foray into the world of Yuletide melodies brought forth an array of songs that not only captured the essence of Christmas but also transcended cultural and religious boundaries. His work is a testament to the universal appeal of music and its power to unite people from diverse backgrounds in celebration and joy.
Among his numerous contributions, some of his most enduring and beloved songs include classics that have delighted generations and become synonymous with the holiday season. These songs not only showcase his exceptional skill as a composer but also reflect his ability to evoke the warm, festive spirit that characterizes Christmas.
Johnny Marks’ music continues to resonate deeply, filling homes with cheer every holiday season and securing his place as an iconic figure in the realm of Christmas music. His legacy is not just a collection of songs but a tapestry of festive joy and communal celebration, cherished by people of all ages and backgrounds.
“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (a hit for Gene Autry and others)
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (a hit for Brenda Lee)
“A Holly Jolly Christmas” (recorded by the Quinto Sisters and later by Burl Ives)
MaryO'Studio 