In this final episode of our Benjamin Britten series, we dive into one of his most cherished works for the holiday season, A Ceremony of Carols. Join me as we explore the origin story behind this iconic piece, its medieval poetry inspiration, and Britten’s unique use of harp and treble voices to create its enchanting sound.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The story of how A Ceremony of Carols was inspired during Britten's voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1942.
How Britten’s love for medieval English poetry shaped this beautiful holiday collection.
The musical styles and contrasts within the piece, such as the festive “Wolcum Yole” and the tender “That Yonge Child.”
The historical significance of its first performance in 1942 at Norwich Castle.
Why this piece remains a favorite for youth choirs and holiday performances worldwide.

Music heard in this episode:

Benjamin Britten, A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28 (1943)

Resources Mentioned:

Playlist of Performances: Want to hear more of A Ceremony of Carols? Click here to access a curated playlist of recordings to enjoy with your family this holiday season.
Previous Episodes in this Series: Catch up on our episodes exploring Benjamin Britten's life and The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra.

Explore More Holiday Music:

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes this December as we continue to highlight festive and beautiful holiday music.

Thank you for listening, and I hope A Ceremony of Carols brings the spirit of the season into your home! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

🎵 Busy Kids Love Music is a podcast for kids and families to explore classical music and discover the joy it brings. Visit busykidsdopiano.com for more resources and activities.

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A Ceremony of Carols