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The custom of celebrating
Christmas with songs is as as old as Christianity itself. The very first
carol was sung by the angelic choir over the hills of Judea to announce the
birth of the Child: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good
will toward men." To be sure, these songs were not always carols.
During the first centuries of our Christian era they were strictly devotional
hymns, but from the 13th century on, under the influence of the great
humanitarian, St. Francis of Assisi, Christmas music acquired a more
lighthearted, secular character.The word "carol"
means many things today - joy, singing, devotion, holiday spirit and even
dancing. This page provides abundant material for all Yuletide music
making: singing in family groups, schools, churches and an inspiring
repertoire for pianists, organists and guitar-strummers. The Music for
Pianos Christmas Page contains some of the best loved carols, hymns,
Christmas songs, and instrumental solo pieces by the masters.
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