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A Ukrainian composer’s gift to the world of Christmas music

byRadio Liberty
21/12/2017
2 minute read
Photo: Hanna Senik
A Ukrainian composer’s gift to the world of Christmas music
Translated by: Christine Chraibi
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.

Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Ukrainian composer, choral conductor, public figure with his family. Exhibition of retro-photos by artist Volodymyr Kozyuk: Vinnytsia Region: A View into the Past
Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921), Ukrainian composer, choral conductor, public figure with his family. Exhibition of retro-photos by artist Volodymyr Kozyuk: Vinnytsia Region: A View into the Past

Here is a sample collection of some Shchedryk versions. Enjoy!

1.First Recording of Schedryk/Carol of the Bells in 1922

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXQ15PyKM-M[/embedyt]

2. National Veryovka Choir of Ukraine

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWsgqwk0EGo[/embedyt]

3. Vopli Vidopliassova Rock Band

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKUdtCcOLzE[/embedyt]

4. Pentatonix

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSUFzC6_fp8[/embedyt]

5. Voctave : Carol of the Bells of Notre Dame

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYtlzWE1YUU[/embedyt]

6. The Piano Guys: Carol of the Bells for 12 Cellos

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg[/embedyt]

7. NBA Stars

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isPm79xTzM4[/embedyt]

8. Orion’s Reign: Heavy Metal Carol of the Bells

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzsSpsJimPw[/embedyt]

9. B&B Project: Bandura and Button Accordion

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZXYpwycBAQ[/embedyt]

10. Mormon Tabernacle Choir

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-W2Bkz_Rno[/embedyt]

11. David Hickens : Piano Solo

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1Tr1qCHwq4[/embedyt]

12. Lindsay Stirling : Violin

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKkzbbLYPuI[/embedyt]

13. Libera Boy’s Choir

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVGKfDoANRA[/embedyt]

14. Bel Canto Choir Vilnius

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UmvUy1LziE[/embedyt]

15. Oleh Skrypka and Le Grand Orchestra: Animation

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg1eMpFfexk[/embedyt]

16. Elsa the Snow Queen (Frozen) sings Shchedryk

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ661yDmOIQ[/embedyt]

17. Tarabarova sings Shchedryk: Animation

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqGucyWa8Ms[/embedyt]

18. Ukrainian Soldiers sing Shchedryk

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpdlsUYevfQ[/embedyt]

19. Handpan (Hang Drum)

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNOQBWia0KY[/embedyt]

20. Flashmob Shchedryk at Lviv Airport

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoZzDTkpJ8E[/embedyt]

21. Sarah Juhasz playing Carol of the Bells on, well, bells

[embedyt]https://youtu.be/oFBgiCCe1mo[/embedyt]
Translated by: Christine Chraibi
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