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Emrys

(8,885 posts)
4. Thanks. If you check out the version of this OP in Music Appreciation,
Sun Dec 7, 2025, 06:37 PM
Sunday

the first reply adds some more background about "Shchedryk", its composer and the course of the piece's entry into the canon.

From 1919 onward, Oleksander Koshyts, the conductor who commissioned Leontovych to compose "Shchedryk", toured it around the world in over 1,000 concerts, including a sold-out one in Carnegie Hall. Having been in the audience for that performance, Wilhousky, who was of Ukrainian descent, wrote the first English-language version of the lyrics in 2022.

My wife, a Catholic, was very familiar with the "Carol of the Bells" version from performances at Christmas in her youth, when it was a very popular part of the repertoire.

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