The Holly and the Ivy
from Finding Sanctuary : Christmas by Philip Stephen Allen
-
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital AlbumComes in a lovely Eco-Pack, with photography by Pascal Amez on a cover designed by Lisa Kahn.
Includes unlimited streaming of Finding Sanctuary : Christmas via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.ships out within 1 day$12 USD
You own this
-
-
Digital Track
Streaming + DownloadIncludes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.Purchasable with gift card -
Buy the Full Digital Album View the Full Digital Album
-
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital AlbumSeven Finding Sanctuary : Christmas Compact Discs shipped together for giving as gifts.
Includes unlimited streaming of Finding Sanctuary : Christmas via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.ships out within 1 day4 remaining$75 USD or more
You own this
-
about
I have always loved this piece. It is so distinctly English in its chord structure, much like its younger cousin from Coventry.
I have always wondered what was at the root of this carol. To me, the traditional lyrics lack the depth of meaning and richness of symbolism that one usually finds in songs and carols of the same period. Considering also that to druids holly was the sacred plant of the winter solstice, and that ivy was associated with Saturn (Saturnalia being the pagan winter holiday from which many of our Christmas traditions descend), I can only imagine that this carol, in some form, is from a decidedly older tradition.
I begin and end this arrangement with a mostly traditional take on the melody. In the middle I made it into a round, with the melody playing in three different octaves at different times. I thought this brought out a different character of the melody, divorced for the most part from its customary setting.
I have always wondered what was at the root of this carol. To me, the traditional lyrics lack the depth of meaning and richness of symbolism that one usually finds in songs and carols of the same period. Considering also that to druids holly was the sacred plant of the winter solstice, and that ivy was associated with Saturn (Saturnalia being the pagan winter holiday from which many of our Christmas traditions descend), I can only imagine that this carol, in some form, is from a decidedly older tradition.
I begin and end this arrangement with a mostly traditional take on the melody. In the middle I made it into a round, with the melody playing in three different octaves at different times. I thought this brought out a different character of the melody, divorced for the most part from its customary setting.
credits
from Finding Sanctuary : Christmas,
released November 8, 2016
Traditional English Carol (15th Century or earlier)
Arranged and performed by Philip Stephen Allen
Traditional English Carol (15th Century or earlier)
Arranged and performed by Philip Stephen Allen
license
all rights reserved
tags
about
Philip Stephen Allen Florida
Philip Stephen Allen plays piano, composes, arranges, produces, and records in Naples, Florida.
discography
-
Oct 2020 -
Jun 2019 -
Nov 2018 -
Nov 2016 -
Nov 2011 -
Dec 2014