Every single year, the entire USA, as well as a major part of Europe, and, well, almost the whole Orthodox world actually, look forward to celebrating one of the warmest and kindest holidays on Earth – Christmas. This tradition is no doubt associated with a number of Christmas songs and funny carols. But even the non-residents of the US when asked what song is most of all related with this holiday for them admit that the sounds of “Jingle Bells” can’t help but pop up in their minds reminding of the oncoming fun, tree decoration and merry family reunions.
Written by an American musician James Lord Pierpont and originally published titled as “One Horse Open Sleigh” the song turned into the most commonly-performed piece during Christmas celebrations, even though it was supposed to become a Thanksgiving piece. Once popular in Medford (Massachussets) races in sleighs served Pierpont as the subject of inspiration. Its fruit became one of the most recognizable songs ever, which awarded its author with a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The list of musicians who performed or recorded the song is so long that it reaches… the space! Yes, that’s not a misprint! This is the 1st song that was broadcasted from the outer space performed on harmonica by Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra in 1965.
The Christmas legend is still being parodied and re-made a lot. And each parody or new version still preserves the magic Christmas charm of the original. One of my favorite arrangements is the piano version of “Jingle Bells” by OLC Barcelona Sheet Music. Happy anticipating!
