Classic Christmas Tunes 454 & 455 - Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band & Edison Records God Bless Ye, Merry Gentlemen

A decade ago Maddy Prior and some like-minded musical friends decided to form a band 'The Carnival Band' dedicated to performing traditional Christmas carols in as pure and form as possible. Note the early introduction of horns and tight almost military precision of the drums. Although documented to exist as far back as the 16th century, The earliest printed copy of the lyrics dates to 1760. The 1st verse has perhaps only been tweaked by a word or 2 throughout the centuries.The second verse, however, mutates into various lyrics. The version presented here dates from W. B. Sandys's 1833 collection of tunes entitled "Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern". It would make sense that the percussion would take on a military flair as many musicians of the day would have been members of military bands. Charles Dickens was quite fond of the song having referenced it in "A Christmas Carol" even though mistakenly referred to it as "God Bless You, Merry Gentlemen", perhaps an understandable mistake Also, the use of the pronoun "Ye" is considered a pseudo-archaic as its usage really only documents from modern times. Despite being a quite different version from that presented here by Annie Lennox, I do love both versions. Do you have a preference? If so, which?
Now just for giggles if not indubitable comparison purposes, I have here also perhaps the earliest recording from !917 on Edison Records, no less. Sorry, I simply cannot resist this Edison Version, as well,if only because the video is so good.
Okay, okay, if you insist, one more curious video of the actual cylinder.
To all my friends, old and new, thank you for checking out my blog
Comments are always welcome, even anonymous ones.
Listen Intently !!
God, I Love this Christmas Music!
Wishing a break from Christmas Music and still want good music. Check out my sister music blog called:
Music To Grill
musictogrill.blogspot.com