The Holly and the Ivy {Robert Shaw}

"The Holly and the Ivy" is a traditional Christmas carol, which is among the most lightly Christianized carols of the Yuletide. "Holly and ivy have been the mainstay of Christmas decoration for church use since at least the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, when they are mentioned regularly in churchwardens accounts" (Roud 2004). Holly and ivy also figure in the lyrics of the "Sans Day Carol".

Sir Henry Walford Davies wrote a popular choral arrangement that is often performed at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols and by choirs around the world.

European Holly (Gaelic: cuileann) was sacred to druids who associated it with the winter solstice, and for Romans, holly was considered the plant of Saturn. European Holly has always traditionally had a strong association with Christmas. Henry VIII wrote a love song Green groweth the holly which alludes to holly and ivy resisting winter blasts and not changing their green hue So I am and ever hath been Unto my lady true.

An early book mentions the carol as well as a manuscript containing a more ancient song which is, or was, in the British Museum. The book was printed in 1823 and entitled Ancient Mysteries Described: Especially the English Miracle Plays founded on Aprocryphal New Testament Story extant among the unpublished manuscripts in the British Museum by the author, investigative journalist, devout Christian and former satirist, William Hone (1780-1842), and printed at 45 Ludgate Hill London. The book contains a list of carols (p 99) described as Christmas Carols now annually Printed including 70. The holly and the ivy, now are both well grown.

The music and most of the text was also collected later by Cecil Sharp (1859-1924) from a woman in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire which is also related to the older carol described as: "The Contest of the Ivy and the Holly", a contest between the traditional emblems of woman and man respectively.

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[5brosn1chick]

The best choir. Are they still in existence since Robert Shaw died?

[jamesscullydesign]

When i read "Robert Shaw" the first thing I thought was... the guy from Jaws and the bad guy in The Sting???

[darkangelscruffy]

@MrLamontSanford I guess we were being too loud, lol...

[MrLamontSanford]

Hey -who is removing our comments?

[darkangelscruffy]

I really do love this version. Thanks so much for sharing it!

[maxbatch70]

Mackaronni - Your description is excellent, Rest in Peace Mr Shaw, I know you're directing the angels in heaven in their choir.

[Mackaronni]

Mr. Shaw's attention to melody, rhythm and especially the "words" are impeccable.

His choirs make singing seem effortless, and listening a true joy....!!! Thank you Mr. Shaw and Rest in Peace....

[philly4u]

So beautiful.

[johnldsm]

Loved it! Thank you!.

[justmusicandme]

@rsgcurrentevents : Sounded like a descant - harmonic line above the melody? Robert Shaw's arrangements are brilliant!