Daily Classical Music Podcast

Leontovych – Carol of the Bells

Carol of the Bells” is a popular Christmas carol, which is based on the Ukrainian New Year’s song “Shchedryk.” The music for the carol comes from the song written by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych in 1914.

The music is based on a four-note ostinato and is in 3
4 time
signature, with the B-flat bell pealing in 6
8 time
. The carol is metrically bistable, and a listener can focus on either measure or switch between them. It has been adapted for musical genres that include classical, heavy metal, jazz, country music, rock, trap, and pop. The music has featured in films and television shows.

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