Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Music for the Winter Solstice

Solstice celebrations predate European Christianity, and may also predate other religions' winter celebrations.  Even the earliest humans would have been aware of the changing of the seasons, with days getting shorter and then longer.  Ancient monuments are aligned with the Sun's location on the longest or shortest days of the year, including some ancient burial mounds in Indiana.  Though ancient music for these festivities has not survived, modern composers and artists are reviving the celebration in music:

Down Through the Winters, by the Portland Revels

Wintersongs, by Kitka

Firedance, by Jaiya
Beautiful Darkness, by Jessica Radcliffe
Meghan Morganfield’s Winter Solstice Carols

Celtic Solstice, by Paul Winter

Solstice Live!  by Paul Winter

A Winter’s Solstice, by Windham Hill artists


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