Solstice Listen to Winter Solstice Celebration
Musica Canis Avem

Oh, Let the Sun Rise Higher Tomorrow

A Winter Solstice Celebration

(Beat it, 2020!)

 

Replay from beginning

1. Alle Psallite Cum Luya (All Shout Hallelujah)

Medieval song arranged as an instrumental by Holly Gwin. Holly Gwin on recorders and triangle.

Based on a recording by the Christmas Revels.

2. Sheep Beneath the Snow/Snug in the Blanket

Manx Air plus three jigs, traditional. Arranged by Holly Gwin. Holly Gwin on hammered dulcimer and Bill Chandler on rhythm guitar.

This Celtic medley begins with Sheep Beneath the Snow, an air from the Isle of Man, followed by three jigs: How She Got Up in the Morning, The Hag’s Purse, and Snug in the Blanket.

3. Who Knows Where the Time Goes

Words and music by Sandy Denny, © 1967, Irving Music. Bill Chandler on vocals and Holly Gwin on piano.

A song of changing seasons by singer/songwriter Sandy Denny (1947-1978).

4. Christmas Pye

Composed originally for hammered duclimer as Joe Pye and arranged for recorder and classical guitar by Holly Gwin. Kate Richardson on tenor recorder and Bill Chandler on classical guitar.

This arrangement of Joe Pye celebrates birds, bees, and hummingbird moths as they land on and fly from a Joe Pye Weed in full bloom. The performers were never in the same room, as was the fashion in 2020.

5. Thaw

Composed by Holly Gwin, arranged for classical guitar by Bill Chandler and Matt Palmer. Chandler on classical guitar.

Written in 2016, Thaw expresses the sense of renewal.

6. You’ll Waltz

Arranged by Holly Gwin. Holly Gwin on hammered dulcimer.

These “Brunettes,” by J.B. de Boismortier, were written as duets for small bagpipes. They remind us of dances at Old Fezziwig’s Christmas party.

7. Oh, Let the Sun Rise Higher Tomorrow

Words and music by Holly Gwin. Bill Chandler on vocals and Holly Gwin on hammered dulcimer.

A song for the winter solstice to celebrate the passing of 2020, and, as the chorus says, “to rouse the spirit of the earth.” It is based on the traditional hymn, 10,000 Charms. (The composer swears this time she means what she wrote in the last verse.)