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Ding dong! merrily on high
composer
1588; Orchésographie, Langres
composer
harmonization
author of text
The present setting of Ding dong! merrily on high is the well-known one with words by G R Woodward and a catchy sixteenth-century French tune harmonized by Charles Wood. The tune is taken from a dance manual called Orchésographie, published in Langres in 1588 by a canon named Jehan Tabourot, who used as a pseudonym the anagrammatic form, Thoinot Arbeau. In the book the dance is described as a ‘branle de l’official’—implying particular vibrancy and exuberance. Charles Wood (1866–1926) was a product of the Royal College of Music and studied composition with Sir Charles Villiers Stanford whom he succeeded as professor of music at Cambridge in 1924. Vaughan Williams was among his pupils. His best-known pieces are his anthems, which include O Thou the central Orb and Expectans expectavi.
from notes by Wadham Sutton © 1993
Recordings
 Adeste fidelesCDA66668  ‘An extremely well-sung traditional carol collection. The concert makes a great appeal by the quality of the singing and the beautiful digital recordi ... ‘A model of its kind’ (The Times)» More |
 Adeste fidelesStudio Master: SIGCD460Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available  Huw Williams leads the choir of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal in a festive recording of Christmas carols old and new from St James’s Palace, London.» More |
 Christmas carols from Village Green to Church ChoirSIGCD387Download only A new album bringing classic carols to life under the expert direction of conductor and author Andrew Gant, marking the release later this year of his new book Christmas Carols, from Village Green to Church Choir. Christmas Carols brims wit ...» More |
 Christmas StarCSCD503Download only  'I can't imagine any Christmas recording bringing more happiness' (Gramophone) 'New life is breathed into the old favourites, and I guarantee that whatever your musical tastes, you will be bowled over by the quality of the music. ...» More |
 Christmas with St John'sStudio Master: SIGCD458Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available 'Christmas with St John's' presents a typically adventurous programme from this most illustrious of choirs, as new commissions by Judith Bingham and Michael Finnissy join established favourites by the likes of Bob Chilcott and John Rutter.» More |
 Favourite Carols from King'sStudio Master: KGS0007Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available  Favourite Carols from King’s is a collection of the most popular carols featured in the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols over the years, and a tribute to the King’s Christmas tradition.» More |
 Joy to the WorldCDH55161Please, someone, buy me … ‘Altogether a very enjoyable disc’ (Organists' Review) ‘As beautiful as anything you will hear this festive season’ (Yorkshire Post)» More |
 Nine Lessons & CarolsStudio Master: KGS0001Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available An album recreating the magic of the famous Christmas Eve service, from a lone treble singing 'Once in royal David's city' to a rousing chorus of 'Hark! the herald angels sing' …» More |
 On Christmas nightSIGCD386Download only A Ceremony of Carols, Benjamin Britten’s timeless work is interpreted by Armonico Consort, under the artistic direction of Christopher Monk for an aesthetically inspiring Christmas Night.» More |
 The Carols AlbumStudio Master: SIGCD108Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available Following their highly successful releases on Signum (the Hymns Album and Handel’s Messiah conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras) the Huddersfield Choral Society is back in force with a magnificent collection of Christmas carols.» More |
 The King's Singers Christmas SongbookStudio Master: SIGCD459Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available The King's Singers—and their crack arrangers Robert 'Berty' Rice, Keith 'Keith' Roberts, and Alexander 'Arnd' L’Estrange—turn up the sparkle for their latest festive offering …» More |
 Voces 8 ChristmasStudio Master: SIGCD291Download onlyStudio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available  BBC Music Magazine'Another winner from Signum is Voces 8's Christmas. As the name implies, these are eight young singers: two sopranos, two counter-tenors, two tenors, ...» More |
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