Composer

:

Christmas Traditional

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Sacred music

Compose Date

:

1868

Average_duration

:

3:20

'O Little Town of Bethlehem' is a beloved Christmas carol that has been sung for over a century. The lyrics were written by Phillips Brooks, an Episcopal priest, in 1868 after he visited Bethlehem and was inspired by the peacefulness of the town. The music was composed by Lewis Redner, a church organist, in 1868. The carol has a simple melody and is typically sung in a slow and reverent manner. It is usually performed in four verses, each with four lines. The first verse begins with the famous line, "O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!" The second verse describes the birth of Jesus, while the third verse speaks of the peace that Jesus brings. The final verse is a prayer for Jesus to stay with us and guide us. The carol is typically performed in the key of F major and has a time signature of 4/4. The melody is primarily made up of quarter notes and half notes, with occasional eighth notes and dotted quarter notes. The accompaniment is usually played on a piano or organ and features simple chords that support the melody. 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' has become a staple of Christmas celebrations around the world. It has been recorded by countless artists, including Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Mariah Carey. The carol has also been featured in numerous movies and television shows, including A Charlie Brown Christmas and Home Alone. Overall, 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' is a beautiful and timeless Christmas carol that captures the spirit of the holiday season. Its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a favorite among people of all ages and backgrounds.

More....