Swing Band Heaven wrote:Here is a medley of christmas carols on the oldest flat record I own. Its a Nicole single sided disk (about 1903 - 1905) which is cardboard with a layer of possibly vulcanised rubber on top (?). This is one of a set of 2 disks both of which are 7" in size. They are played by the British Imperial band and if anyone can identify any of the carols I would be very grateful. I don't recognised any of them!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m-BiRJyRCE[/youtube]
I can't pick the first tune, but the second is "Christians Awake"
Words: John Byrom, 1745. Byrom had several children, but his favourite was his daughter Dolly. In December 1745, he promised to write her something for Christmas; it was to be written especially for her, and no one else. The delighted Dolly reminded her father of his promise each day as Christmas grew nearer. On Christmas morning, when she ran down to breakfast, she found several presents awaiting her. Among them was an envelope addressed to her in her father’s handwriting. It was the first thing she opened, and to her great delight, it proved to be this Christ mas carol. The original manuscript is headed “Christmas Day for Dolly.” It was first published in Harrop’s Manchester Mercury in 1746.
Music: "Yorkshire" (name of tune) by John Wainright, 1750
Christians, awake, salute the happy morn
Whereon the Savior of the world was born.
Rise to adore the mystery of love
Which hosts of angels chanted from above,
With them the joyful tidings first begun
Of God incarnate and the virgin’s Son.
Then to the watchful shepherds it was told,
Who heard th’angelic herald’s voice, “Behold,
I bring good tidings of a Savior’s birth
To you and all the nations of the earth;
This day hath God fulfilled His promised Word;
This day is born a Savior, Christ the Lord.”
He spoke; and straightaway the celestial choir
In hymns of joy, unknown before, conspire;
The praises of redeeming love they sang,
And Heav’n’s whole orb with alleluias rang.
God’s highest glory was their anthem still,
Peace on the earth and unto men good will.
To Bethl’hem straight th’enlightened shepherds ran
To see the wonder God had wrought for man
And found, with Joseph and the blessèd maid,
Her Son, the Savior, in a manger laid;
Then to their flocks, still praising God, return,
And their glad hearts with holy rapture burn.
Like Mary let us ponder in our mind
God’s wondrous love in saving lost mankind!
Trace we the Babe, who hath retrieved our loss,
From His poor manger to His bitter cross,
Tread in His steps, assisted by His grace,
Till man’s first heav’nly state again takes place.
Then may we hope, th’angelic hosts among,
To sing, redeemed, a glad triumphal song.
He that was born upon this joyful day
Around us all His glory shall display.
Saved by His love, incessantly we sing
Eternal praise to Heav’n’s almighty King.
