Hymns of the Season and Their Stories

Ever wonder what a Carol is? Or what "Nowell" ("Noel") means? Or what many people think is the most often piece of music sung in churches? If you are in the West Chester, PA area, plan on attending this event to find out..

Hymns of the Season and Their Stories
Ronald D. Giles, Baritone -- Joan E. Giles, Accompanist
First Presbyterian Church, West Chester, PA
Wednesday December 15, 2010, 6:30pm
The Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990

1. “People Look East” – Text: Eleanor Farjeon; Music: French Carol
Verse 1 – Ron; Verses 2 & 5 – All in Unison

2. “Comfort, Comfort You My People” – Text: Johannes Olearius, 1671
Music: attributed to Louis Bourgeois, 1551, arranged by John Ferguson
Verse 1 -- Ron; Verses 2 & 3 – All in Unison

3. “The First Nowell” – 17th Century English Carol
Verses 1 & 2 in parts

4. "Away In A Manger” -- Text: Verses 1&2 – unknown;
Verse 3 – McFarland, 1887 ; Music: Wm. Kirkpatrick and J. Murray --
Tunes: Mueller, Normandy, Cradle Song; arranged by Mark Hayes
Hymns 24 & 25 Verse 1 – All in Unison; Verses 2 & 3 -- Ron

5. “Silent Night” – Text: Father Joseph Mohr, 1818; Music: Franz Gruber, 1818
Arranged by Mark Hayes and Joan Giles
Verse 1 - Ron in German; Verse 1 -- All in English; Verse 3 -- Ron

6. “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” – Text: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1863;
Music: John Babtiste Calkin, 1872
Verse 1, Ron; Verse 2 All in Unison;
Verse 3 – Women; Verse 4 – Men;
Verse 5 – All in Unison

7. “Joy To The World” – Text: Isaac Watts, 1719; Music – L. Mason/G.F. Handel
Verse 1 -- Women; Verse 2 -- Men; Verse 4 -- All in Parts