She bore to men a Savior
When half-spent was the night
From my home to yours, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and music! 🎄
Thank you for joining me on this musical journey around the world this holiday season, exploring the stories behind the songs on my new album, Christmas Around the World. As a final note for our trip I want to share a track that, for me, captures the stillness and quiet wonder at the heart of the holiday: Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.
Tradition with a New Voice
This carol, which originated in Germany (Es ist ein Ros entsprungen) in the 16th century, is one of the most beautiful and reverent melodies in the entire Christmas canon. It’s centuries-old, humble, and perfectly symbolizes the simple miracle of the Nativity.
To respect that tradition, the first verse uses the standard harmonies for the piece written by Michael Praetorius in 1609. But I also wanted to provide a new voice, which is why the second verse uses original harmonies that were inspired by the version of this piece sung by First Call on their album An Evening in December. This combination – respectful yet new – sums up what the entire Christmas Around the World project was about: Taking beloved songs and giving them a fresh perspective.
🎁 Looking for More?
If you enjoyed this musical journey, you can stream Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming as well as the entire Christmas Around the World album now at the links below. And remember that you can keep up to date on my albums, concert updates, and more here on my website.
Thank you again for your support this holiday season. May your home be filled with peace, music, and light this holiday season and into the New Year.🥂