T he E volution of C hristmas M usic Presented by Avery Varnes

 To inform today’s audience about the deep, varied history of Christmas music and its evolution through the years. Goal Statement

 Origins of Christmas music  How Christmas music has changed  Why it has changed Preview

 First ever Christmas hymns can be traced to 4 th century Rome.  These hymns were chants without music. They weren’t even songs.  These hymns were used year round, not just for Christmas. They were used mostly for special celebrations.  Corde natus ex Parentis is one of the oldest Christmas hymns. Origins

 4 th century – Christmas hymns invented as religious chants.  9 th, 10 th centuries – Christmas hymns became rhyming stanzas.  12 th century – saw music and dance being added to the hymns. The hymns renamed to carols. Words for the first modern Christmas song are written. (O Come, O Come Emmanuel)  13 th century – a strong tradition of popular Christmas songs began. Carols are now used especially during Christmas. How It Has Changed - Timeline

 15 th century – the first English translation of Christmas carols.  17 th century – many classic Christmas carols are written.  1840 – Queen Victoria marries Prince Albert.  1857 – the first secular Christmas song is written. (Jingle Bells) How It Has Changed – Timeline (Cont.)

 Many changes came because of religious ideals and leaders.  The largest change came during the 19 th and 20 th centuries. Christmas carols became more secular.  The focus shifted to Christmas as a holiday, rather than the birth of Jesus. How It Has Changed Why It Has Changed

 The change in the themes of Christmas music is apparent. Most songs are no longer carols.  Through the 19 th and 20 th centuries, religion is declining.  The rise of consumerism changed the focus of Christmas and its music. How It Has Changed Why It Has Changed – (Cont.)

 Before 1857: Almost all Christmas carols are religious. Examples: - “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (1600s) - “Joy to the World” (1719) - “O Come All Ye Faithful” (1756) - “O Holy Night” (1847) Comparisons

 After 1857: Most Christmas songs are secular. Examples: - “Winter Wonderland” (1934) - “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1938) - “Blue Christmas” (1957) - “Last Christmas” (1984) Comparisons (Cont.)

 Today, we discussed…  The origins of the Christmas carol  How Christmas music has changed through the years  And why it has changed Conclusion

Thank you for listening! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!