December 13 marked the 140th anniversary of the birth of Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych, author of the famous Carol of the Bells. This song is called “a little musical miracle” and is probably the most popular Christmas melody in the world.
Shchedryk is based on popular Ukrainian shchedrivky. These songs express good wishes for an abundant harvest, prosperity and well-being, welfare, cattle, and good breeding of bees. The poetical lyrics of Ukrainian shchedrivky and carols contain magical functions.
This musical composition was first performed by the Kyiv University Choir in 1916. On October 5, 1921, the Ukrainian National Chorus under the direction of composer Oleksandr Koshyts performed Shchedryk at Carnegie Hall, New York.
In 1936, Peter J. Wilhousky, an American of Ukrainian origin, created an English version of the lyrics and since then the Carol of the Bells can be heard all over the world.
Shchedryk has been used in several serials and films, for example, South Park, The Simpsons, The Griffins, Home Alone and The Nut Job 2. It is also widely used in advertising.
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