The Custom Of Caroling
Modern day carols began as "madrigals," songs written for small groups with each person singing an independent part, says Jeff Reynolds, D.M.A., UAB Department of Music chair. Madrigals came to England from Italy around the 16th century and quickly evolved into the carol. Technically, a carol was simply a part song sung by four or six people, but carols became so popular at Christmas, they soon became equated with the holidays. Carols are sacred rather than secular. "Silent Night" is a carol, but "The Christmas Song" is not. Different countries claim carols as their own. "Silent Night" is claimed by the people of Germany. "The First Noel," "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Joy to the World" are often claimed as American carols.
Contact Shannon Thomason, Media Relations, 205-975-8858 or [email protected].
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