photo by Ballard Avenue

We've had a week of real winter, as evidenced by this flock of frozen flamingos wishing they'd not listened to Uncle Sven and instead stayed in Florida.

performed by Ensemble D.E.U.M.

Vom Himmel Hoch, O Englein Kommt

From heaven high, O angels, come,
Eya! eya! Susani, susani, susani.
Come music, song, come pipe and drum,
Alleluia, alleluia.
Of Jesus sing and Maria.

Let every instrument join in,
Eya! eya! Susani, susani, susani.
Bring lute and harp and violin,
Alleluia, alleluia.
Of Jesus sing and Maria.

Fritz Wunderlich, tenor, and Hermann Prey, baritone

Grundig TK 126 tape recorder c. 1970.

Continuing the Swedish theme, here is a performance of "O helga nått." Don't let the long length of the clip discourage you. The last couple of minutes are well-deserved curtain calls. The unidentified singers are from the Vadstena Academy, a music school that focuses its attention on little-known operas from the past as well as newly-commissioned work.

December 13 is St. Lucia Day. The girl representing St. Lucia needs good posture and poise under pressure, and there should be a fire extinguisher nearby.

Hark! through the darksome night
Sounds come a winging:
Lo! 'tis the Queen of Light
Joyfully singing.
Clad in her garment white,
Wearing her crown of light,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Deep in the northern sky
Bright stars are beaming;
Christmas is drawing nigh
Candles are gleaming.
Welcome thou vision rare,
Lights glowing in thy hair.
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Once in Royal David's City

Edward Burrowes, treble
The Choir and parishioners of St Paul's Cathedral, London

photo by Ballard Avenue

The B.P.O.D. had themselves a convention down at Golden Gardens the other day. Among the resolutions was one asking all the little kids to bring whole-grain bread next time. A steady diet of Wonder Bread does not build strong ducks twelve ways.