Carol of the Bells. A hauntingly beautiful song from Ukranian roots. Written in 1914 by Leontovych, the song was first called "Shchedryk" and based on an ancient tune handed down through the years. It was about nature and springtime and, in particular, watching for the coming. From 1918-1921 a brief period of Ukraine as an independent republic called for a push in sharing their culture. Consequently, Shchedryk was taken onto the world stage by a traveling choir. When that choir came to North America and performed at Carnegie Hall it is believed to have led to the introduction of the tune to Peter Wilhousky. He wrote the lyrics which made the now popular tune, a Christmas hit that has continued to play a prominent role in our musical celebrations ever since. Ironically, Leontyvich was actually executed by Bolshevik agents for continuing to share his Ukranian culture. And now 100 years later, similar war exists not only there but ar...
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