Walter Sommer Christmas Jingle Bells

Christmas Music

The history of Christmas music traces back to the early days of Christianity. In the 4th century, Latin hymns like “Veni Redemptor Gentium,” composed by St. Ambrose, were among the earliest songs celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. These hymns were solemn and liturgical, intended for worship within the church.

During the Medieval period, the tradition of caroling emerged in Europe. Carols were festive songs that combined both religious and folk elements, often performed during communal celebrations. In the 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi popularized Nativity plays with songs in the vernacular, making the Christmas story more accessible to the general populace.

The Renaissance and Baroque eras saw significant contributions to Christmas music from composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” (1734) and Handel’s “Messiah” (1741), although not exclusively Christmas pieces, became integral to holiday celebrations due to their thematic content.

In the 19th century, the Victorian era sparked a revival of Christmas traditions, including music. Many of the carols known today were written or popularized during this time. For instance, “Silent Night,” originally “Stille Nacht,” was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber in Austria. Collections like “Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern” (1833) by William Sandys helped preserve traditional songs and introduced new ones.

Jingle Bells

Jingle Bells is one of the most enduring and widely recognized holiday songs in the world. Composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, it was originally titled The One Horse Open Sleigh. The song was published on September 16, 1857, and was initially intended for the Thanksgiving season rather than Christmas.

James Lord Pierpont was born on April 25, 1822, in Medford, Massachusetts. The inspiration for Jingle Bells is commonly attributed to the sleigh races held in Medford during the 19th century. These races were a popular form of entertainment, and the song captures the excitement and thrill of dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh.

The song was first performed at a Thanksgiving church service where Pierpont was the organist and music director. Its lively melody and catchy chorus made it an immediate favorite among congregants. Despite its initial association with Thanksgiving, the song’s themes of winter fun led to its adoption into Christmas traditions.

Over time, Jingle Bells became more closely associated with Christmas due to its winter imagery and joyful tone. By the early 20th century, it had become a staple of Christmas music repertoire in the United States and eventually around the world.