Composer

:

Robert Croo

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Compose Date

:

1543

Average_duration

:

3:11

The "Coventry Carol" is a traditional English Christmas carol that dates back to the 16th century. It was composed by Robert Croo, a composer and musician who lived during the Renaissance period. The carol is believed to have originated in Coventry, England, and was traditionally performed during the Coventry Mystery Plays, a series of religious plays that were performed in the city during the Middle Ages. The "Coventry Carol" is a lullaby that tells the story of the Massacre of the Innocents, which is recounted in the Gospel of Matthew. The carol describes the grief of the mothers of Bethlehem as they mourn the loss of their children, who were killed by King Herod in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus. The "Coventry Carol" is typically performed in a minor key, which gives it a haunting and mournful quality. It is composed of three verses, each of which is sung by a different voice. The first verse is sung by a soloist, who sings the opening lines of the carol: "Lullay, thou little tiny child, / Bye bye, lully lullay." The second verse is sung by a group of women, who lament the loss of their children: "O sisters too, how may we do, / For to preserve this day / This poor youngling for whom we sing, / Bye bye, lully lullay." The third verse is sung by a choir, who sing a prayer for the souls of the innocent children: "Herod the king, in his raging, / Charged he hath this day / His men of might, in his own sight, / All young children to slay." The "Coventry Carol" has been performed and recorded by many artists over the years, and has become a beloved Christmas carol around the world. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.

More....