Phil's Top Ten Carols

My friend Phil is so taken with this business that he emails his favourite carols. As he's an organist, his is a much better list than mine, which would basically be ranked according to the number of words I can remember. I would add 'Angels From The Realms of Glory,' but otherwise here goes, with many thanks to Phil:

1. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

To my mind, the perfect carol. Not too long (only 3 verses) and a fantastic descant part. Admittedly, the tune somehow contrives to be that little bit too high for everyone, but I forgive it for be so rousing. Plus, I really like the exclamation mark in the title.

2. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

I always wished it were 'God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen', but that wouldn't fit the minor key that this is set in. This calls for great articulation if sung quite briskly. There's also a wonderful, ethereal descant part which is just lots of 'ah's over the top.

3. Unto Us A Son Is Born

I love the really dark verse about Herod in which the organ accompaniment is lots of crashing, discordant chords, and ends with 'and slew the little children'.

4. O Little Town of Bethlehem

Another one I like primarily for the descant part, although the 'How silently, how silently' verse is fun as everyone resorts to childish whispers.

5. Ding Dong Merrily On High

Glo......................................................oria. Need I say more?

6. We Three Kings Of Orient Are

This is slightly childish, but as an organist you can play a great game with this one. Each time you get to the 'O-o, star of wonder...', try to extend the O that little bit longer, so that by the last chorus it's got to ridiculous proportions.

7. O Come All Ye Faithful

Another rousing anthem in the mould of Hark! Lots of fun to be had with the dynamics in the chorus - should the men drop out completely, and if so when should they return? Another cracking descant part as well.

8. Once In Royal David's City

For me, the beauty is not so much in the solo rendition of the first verse, but the moment when the organ and congregation join in with 'He came down...' That's what sends the shivers down my spine.

9. In The Bleak Midwinter

I like both tunes that this is set to, but I suppose I prefer the more familiar Holst setting. This is a slightly unusual choice for me as I don't normally go a bundle on the softer, slower carols, but I quite like the snowy, cold images that this evokes. I find it difficult not to sing 'In the meek blidwinter'.

10. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

I feel a little sorry for this carol as I feel it gets forgotten and overlooked sometimes, but it's enjoyable to play or sing and should be included more in my opinion.