CHRISTMAS ON CYLINDERS CONCERT
The City of London Phonograph and Gramophone Society is pleased to invite its friends to step back in time to the early 20th century for a seasonal concert of Christmas songs, sketches, carols and recitations as heard on phonograph cylinders of the period.
You do not have to listen to the whole recording - clicking another button will interrupt the first and moving to another page will stop it.
You do not have to listen to the whole recording - clicking another button will interrupt the first and moving to another page will stop it.
CHRISTMAS EVE
Buying the Christmas Dinner (Clifton) Miss Yolande Noble and Percy Clifton. Edison 2 min. 13666 issued in December 1907.
The run-up to Christmas is full of frayed nerves as well as happy anticipation. In this record, a Cockney couple bicker over what to have for their Christmas dinner!
Billy Whitlock’s Christmas Waits (A descriptive selection by Billy Whitlock and Company). Edison Bell 10419. c. December 1908. Billy Whitlock guarantees mayhem. Here we have the carol singers from hell; they are streaming with colds, can’t play a chord or sing and succeed only making dogs bark and a baby cry. They mock the mother and her baby until she calls the police. Meanwhile she stops the band by pouring water over a musician. In the end she relents and gives them 6d (12.5 cents US by the exchange rate of the time) upon which they wish her a merry Christmas and a horrible New Year.
The Night Before Christmas (Clement Clarke Moore). Harry Humphrey . Edison Blue Amberol 2464, December 1914. Moore is supposed to have written this poem, also known as “A Visit from St Nicholas”, for his children in 1822. A year later, the 23rd December 1823, it was published, was an immediate success and contributed to the modern cult of Santa Claus with reindeer and all.
The real Saint Nicholas was born of wealthy parents at Patara in Lycia, a province of Asia minor in the early fourth century. His parents were devout Christians and he followed in their footsteps. Their early death left him a wealthy man and he devoted his inheritance to acts of charity including discreetly leaving presents of gold to a family fallen on hard times so that the young daughters could afford to marry well. This is probably a basis for his association with present giving. He was chosen to be Bishop of Myra, suffered persecution under Diocletian and flourished under the Christian Emperor Constantine. He is the patron of bakers and pawnbrokers as well as being associated with rescuing mariners and combating corruption and injustice.
The real Saint Nicholas was born of wealthy parents at Patara in Lycia, a province of Asia minor in the early fourth century. His parents were devout Christians and he followed in their footsteps. Their early death left him a wealthy man and he devoted his inheritance to acts of charity including discreetly leaving presents of gold to a family fallen on hard times so that the young daughters could afford to marry well. This is probably a basis for his association with present giving. He was chosen to be Bishop of Myra, suffered persecution under Diocletian and flourished under the Christian Emperor Constantine. He is the patron of bakers and pawnbrokers as well as being associated with rescuing mariners and combating corruption and injustice.
Christmas Eve in the Old Homestead. (Descriptive sketch arranged by George Ison). Clarion 46. One of a trio of Christmas sketches released in December 1907. An elderly squire rejoices in the company of his children and a chorus, presumably of his sons, sings two of his favourite carols, “Christians Awake” and “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night” Such sketches even though short, may be considered the ancestors of modern radio plays.
CHRISTMAS DAY
The Star of Bethlehem. Hardy Williamson. Edison Blue Amberol 23145. November 1913. Carols were not the only songs the Victorians and Edwardians liked to sing at Christmas. Songs of every grade and description from concert pieces like this one and Charles Gounod’s “Nazareth” to Tin Pan Alley’s maudlin’ offerings about orphans and dead parents, dealt with all aspects of this holy day. This one, with music by Stephen Adams (1844-1913) and words by the poet Frederic Edward Weatherly (1848-1929), was a hit from its introduction in 1886; so much so that it was often recorded as an instrumental solo as well as a song. It deals with the story of the star which guided the wise men of the East to the cradle of the infant Jesus at Bethlehem.
The Star of Bethlehem. Hardy Williamson. Edison Blue Amberol 23145. November 1913. Carols were not the only songs the Victorians and Edwardians liked to sing at Christmas. Songs of every grade and description from concert pieces like this one and Charles Gounod’s “Nazareth” to Tin Pan Alley’s maudlin’ offerings about orphans and dead parents, dealt with all aspects of this holy day. This one, with music by Stephen Adams (1844-1913) and words by the poet Frederic Edward Weatherly (1848-1929), was a hit from its introduction in 1886; so much so that it was often recorded as an instrumental solo as well as a song. It deals with the story of the star which guided the wise men of the East to the cradle of the infant Jesus at Bethlehem.
The Dawn of Light. British Male Quartet. Edison Blue Amberol 23140, November 1913. The title of this atmospheric selection of carols is a play on “The Light of the World”, one of the names by which Jesus is known.
The Edison promotional text describes the record:
“Bells and orchestra combine in the Christmas hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful,” followed by the singing of “Sweet Chiming Bells,” then another well-known hymn on the bells “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night” accompanied by the organ. This is a record of infinite variety and charm and should find a prominent place in everyone’s collection of Christmas selections.”
The Edison promotional text describes the record:
“Bells and orchestra combine in the Christmas hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful,” followed by the singing of “Sweet Chiming Bells,” then another well-known hymn on the bells “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night” accompanied by the organ. This is a record of infinite variety and charm and should find a prominent place in everyone’s collection of Christmas selections.”
Good Christian Men Rejoice. Choir Band and Organ. Sterling 706, November 1906. This Carol was written in latin (In Dulci Jubilo) by a Heinrich Suso in the 14th Century and was translated into English by John Mason Neale (1818-1866) in “Carols for Christmastide” in 1853.
Good King Wenceslas. Edison Carol Singers. Edison 2 minute 13354, November 1905. Wenceslas was a devoutly Catholic Christian King of Bohemia (907-935) who was assassinated by his brother Boleslaw and subsequently canonised.
He is the patron saint of the Czech Republic. The words are by John Mason Neale and the event in the carol takes place on St Stephen’s day, December 26th. Like the above carol, Good Christian Men rejoice, it was published in “Carols for Christmastide, 1853.
He is the patron saint of the Czech Republic. The words are by John Mason Neale and the event in the carol takes place on St Stephen’s day, December 26th. Like the above carol, Good Christian Men rejoice, it was published in “Carols for Christmastide, 1853.
The Prodigal’s Return on Christmas Morning. Descriptive sketch arranged by George Ison – Clarion 47, December 1907. A second sketch in the Christmas trio mentioned in the notes above , it features a son who ran away from home many years previously, coming back to his home village and wondering if he will be made welcome. It has religious undertones based on the parable of the Prodigal Son and is rendered in the gloriously sentimental style so beloved of our Victorian ancestors.
Christmas at Sea. Descriptive Medley. National Military Band and Male Quartet. Edison Blue Amberol 23150, November 1913. In an age of empire and colonial expansion, many records were made to reflect the reality of Christmas away from home and loved ones, with titles like Christmas Day in the Bush, Christmas Day in Barracks, Christmas Day on HMS Dreadnought which deals with the homesickness of a young sailor on his first Christmas away from home and, taking the theme a step further, The Old Pro’s Christmas where an impoverished ex-serviceman busking in the street, is invited in out of the cold to enjoy some Christmas cheer. It helps that he has a fine voice!
This selection is interesting in that it introduces traditional sea shanties instead of carols. I leave the Edison copywriter to explain:
“The selection opens with a few bars to suggest sunrise, then comes the boatswain’s whistle and the command “All hands on deck for captain’s inspection.” After the captain’s greeting to the crew the bugle sounds for dinner – “The Roast Beef of Old England.” Then comes the Christmas concert at which the boatswain sings “The Mermaid” and the crew - a very musical crew – give “Black Eyed Susan” and “Be Gone Dull Care.” After this, the fiddler strikes up with the “Sailor’s Hornpipe” and the festivities conclude with “Auld Lang Syne” sung by the entire crew.”
This selection is interesting in that it introduces traditional sea shanties instead of carols. I leave the Edison copywriter to explain:
“The selection opens with a few bars to suggest sunrise, then comes the boatswain’s whistle and the command “All hands on deck for captain’s inspection.” After the captain’s greeting to the crew the bugle sounds for dinner – “The Roast Beef of Old England.” Then comes the Christmas concert at which the boatswain sings “The Mermaid” and the crew - a very musical crew – give “Black Eyed Susan” and “Be Gone Dull Care.” After this, the fiddler strikes up with the “Sailor’s Hornpipe” and the festivities conclude with “Auld Lang Syne” sung by the entire crew.”
Dick Whittington. Pantomime Story told by Percy Clifton. Edison 2 minute 13659, December 1907. This is one of the most popular Victorian pantomimes, the play of which goes back to around 1605. Pantomimes were saucy but safe comic plays to which respectable parents might take their children. Some of the late 19th century pantomime dames such as Dan Leno and Will Evans made quite a number of records, but none of their pantomime performances. So if you cannot make it with your loved ones to see Dick Whittington at the theatre, what better alternative than to spend 1/6 (35c US) on an Edison cylinder record and enjoy it as a bedtime story instead. The story is a mixture of fact and fiction. The real Richard Whittington was the third son of Sir William Whittington of Gloucester, born around 1350 and though not poor, nevertheless had to make his way in the world. He settled in London and became a very wealthy textile merchant. He married Alice Fitzwarren, an Alderman’s daughter, became Alderman, Sherriff and finally Mayor of London three times.
Cantique de Noël or Minuit, Chretiens (Words by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure , music by Adolphe Adam). Sung by Albert Quesnel. Edison Blue Amberol 2285, May 1914
Placide Cappeau was approached by his parish priest in 1846 to write a poem for Christmas which he duly did and shortly after, in 1847, got his friend Adolphe Adam to write music for it which resulted in an enduringly popular Christmas song still being enjoyed today.
Placide Cappeau was approached by his parish priest in 1846 to write a poem for Christmas which he duly did and shortly after, in 1847, got his friend Adolphe Adam to write music for it which resulted in an enduringly popular Christmas song still being enjoyed today.
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There follow the French words as sung and a direct English translation
Minuit! Chrétiens, c’est l’heure solonnelle Où l’Homme Dieu descendit jusqu’à nous Pour effacer la tache originelle Et de Son Père arrêter le courroux: Le monde entier tressaille d’espérance À cette nuit qui lui donne un sauveur. Peuple, à genoux, attends ta délivrance. Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur! Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur! Noël derives from the Latin “natalis dies” meaning “natal day or birth day” hence Christmas. De notre foi que la lumière ardente Nous guide tous au berceau de l’enfant, Comme autrefois une étoile brillante Y conduisit les chefs de l’Orient. Le Roi des Rois naît dans une humble crèche; Puissants du jour, fiers de votre grandeur, A votre orgueil, c’est de là que Dieu prêche. Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur! Noël! Noël! chantons le Rédempteur! |
Midnight! Christians, ‘tis the solemn hour When God as Man came down to us To wipe away original sin And to end His Father’s wrath: The whole world thrills with hope in this night which gives it a Saviour. People, on your knees, await your deliverance. Noel, here is the Redeemer! Noel, here is the Redeemer! The blazing light of our faith Guides us all to the infant’s cradle As once a shining star Thither led the kings of the East. The King of Kings is born in a humble crib; O mighty of today, proud of your greatness, It is to your pride that God preaches. Bow your heads before the Redeemer! Noel! Noel! let us sing of our Redeemer! |
Joy to the World (Isaac Watts’ words of 1719 to the tune “Antioch arranged by Lowell Mason 1836) Edison Carol Singers. Blue Amberol 3029, December 1916. A lively and timelessly popular carol which not only has all nature rejoicing at the birth of the Lord, but also looks forward to the second coming when “He rules the world with truth and grace”
Don’t Forget spoken by General William Booth of the Salvation Army. Columbia 201632, January 1907. William Booth was born on the 10th April 1829 in Sneinton, Nottinghamshire and died at Hadley Wood, London on the 12th August 1912. While apprenticed to a pawnbroker he converted to Methodism and became a lay preacher, subsequently devoting his life to the material relief and spiritual salvation of the poor. He and his wife Catherine founded the Christian Revival Society in the East End of London in 1865 which later in 1878 became the Salvation Army.
In spite of the social developments in the last 129 years, there are many for whom General Booth’s words are as relevant today as they were then. As we listen to his voice, he assumes we are gathered together, enjoying ourselves, which he approves of, for “the Salvationist is the friend of happiness.” But he urges us to remember those in despair and misery and to do something about it. In this we are being urged to think beyond presents, food and pretty tunes to the other aspects of Christmas; to show goodwill and kindness to our fellow creatures and think of others less fortunate than ourselves.
In spite of the social developments in the last 129 years, there are many for whom General Booth’s words are as relevant today as they were then. As we listen to his voice, he assumes we are gathered together, enjoying ourselves, which he approves of, for “the Salvationist is the friend of happiness.” But he urges us to remember those in despair and misery and to do something about it. In this we are being urged to think beyond presents, food and pretty tunes to the other aspects of Christmas; to show goodwill and kindness to our fellow creatures and think of others less fortunate than ourselves.
O Holy Night. (English translation by John Sullivan Dwight from the French by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure, music by Adolphe Charles Adam). Sung by David Brazell on Edison Wax Amberol 12247, November 1910. This is the English language version of the French “Minuit! Chrétiens”, a majestic poem by Placide Cappeau written in 1846 at the request of his parish priest and set to music in 1847 by his friend, the composer Adolphe Adam a year later in 1847. It grew and grew in popularity and is still sung today. John Sullivan Dwight, a Unitarian minister translated it into English in 1855. The song deals with the advent of Christ and aspects of what that will mean to the world and human kind.
Christmas Morn. (A Christmas Medley, not published). National Military Band. Edison Wax Amberol 12101. I quote the British Edison Phonograph Monthly announcing the records for November 1910:
“Another fine Christmas record introducing the carol “Good King Wenceslas” and the hymns “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night,” “The First Noel,” and “Christians Awake.” Added to these are bell solos, chimes solos, etc., the whole being played in a masterly manner by the National Military Band. A Record which should take the public by storm, so fine is it!”.
“Another fine Christmas record introducing the carol “Good King Wenceslas” and the hymns “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night,” “The First Noel,” and “Christians Awake.” Added to these are bell solos, chimes solos, etc., the whole being played in a masterly manner by the National Military Band. A Record which should take the public by storm, so fine is it!”.