Good Will to All

Description

Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto, Piano — One of America’s most beloved poets, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), wrote the poem Christmas Bellsxa0on December 25, 1864. In 1872, John Baptiste Calkin removed two stanzas which resulted in the Christmas carol known today as I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.A few years prior to writing the poem, Longfellow’s wife was fatally burned in an accident. Soon after, his son severely injured his spine when he was shot during a Civil War battle. After these tragedies, Longfellow wrote, “How inexpressibly sad are all holidays. I can make no record of these days. Better leave them wrapped in silence. Perhaps someday God will give me peace.” Longfellow’s journal entry for December 1862 reads, “‘A Merry Christmas say the children, but that is no more for me.”The circumstances of Longfellow’s life and the turmoil of the nation challenged his resolve, but on December 25, 1864, Longfellow was moved when he heard bells in the distance. The sound of the bells gave him peace and hope, which resulted in this beautiful and inspiring text. Using much of the text from Longfellow's beloved "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," Jones' original treble holiday piece is lovely, accessible, and offers hope and prosperity during the holiday season. Good Will to All is highly recommended for the emerging treble choir eager to sing three-part harmony.

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