Brilliant things that actually happened in Plymouth in 2020
Even though this has been a year like no other, there s still some moments we ll never forget
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I come from a musical family. We were all singers, and wherever we traveled, we sang traditional songs and, in Christmas season, carols. My father and I improvised harmonies. Advent Sundays were a foursome, sometimes with guests, singing along to my father’s guitar strumming. And, of course, as a semi-pro soloist, I sang on stages and on church galleries galore. It never occurred a bit to me to research caroling history – until now.
Sheet music has been around for centuries – this is probably the most Christmas international carol ever. (Photo: Thomas Galler @ unsplash.com/)
The very first church hymns were some austere affairs, and to today’s habits of musical consumption these 4th century pieces are nowhere near the upbeat, groovy melodies that we are listening to in stores and singing in modern church music. Rhymed stanzas came only around the 10th century; and the 12th century revolutionized church music by introducing popular music into church hymns. I guess, some peop