Traditionally, #ClassicalChristmas has been the December theme for Classics a Day. This year, it’s changed slightly — #ClassicalHoliday.

The idea was always to encourage folks to share works composed for performance in December. The pieces could be either sacred or secular. But the hashtag #ClassicalChristmas suggested music only for one faith tradition. So new hashtag, same concept. During the month of December post works that were meant to be performed in the wintertime.

Here are my posts for the third week of #ClassicalHoliday

12/13/21 PDQ Bach – O Little Town of Hackensack

The challenge is to post classical music to be sung in December. Nobody said it had to be good.

12/14/21 Norman Dello Joio – The Holy Infant’s Lullaby

Dello Joio wrote this in 1961. It exists in several forms, including a version for women’s chorus, and also with orchestral accompaniment.

12/15/21 Arthur Honegger – Une cantate de Noel

This 1953 was Honegger’s last completed composition. It was started in 1941 as part of a much larger oratorio. But nothing came of that project, so he reworked it for the 25th anniversary of the Basle Chamber Orchestra.

12/16/21 Georg Philipp Telemann – In dulce Jubilo TWV 1:939

Telemann was but one of many German Baroque composers to use this tune as the basis for an Advent cantata.

12/17/21 Pierre Dandrieu – Joseph est bien marié

Dandrieu composed his setting of this tune around 1714. Its first publication was not until at least 1721 (the original publication is lost). It was included in the expanded edition of 1733. But it’s not clear if it was included in the original edition.

Tags: #ClassicalChristmas, #ClassicalHoliday, #ClassicsaDay, Arthur Honegger, Georg Philipp Telemann, Normon Dello Joio, PDQ Bach, Pierre Dandriew, Twitter