Fa-la-la Brouhaha, Round 1, Day 1

Heavenly Hymns

Angels We Have Heard On High vs. Angels From the Realms of Glory

Straight off, we have an angelic battle. "Angels We Have Heard" is probably the better known of the two, and has the advantage in this bout, being number 116 in the Pilgrim Hymnal (while "Angels From the Realms" is the also-ran at number 117).   It features an epic "Gloria" chorus, and is likely why you think of eggshells at Christmas.  Our other angel hymn is that one you know but can't quite hum, and possibly you think the second line goes "God has spoken, He is mad."  Or maybe that's just me.





Choral Carols

Gesu Bambino vs. Do You Hear What I Hear?

In our "songs we hear the choir sing" category, we have two holiday standards. "Gesu Bambino" is that song you know and can sing all the words to, but never know the name of because it isn't anywhere in the song. Nope, not in there. Not in the Italian either. But watch the video and sing along. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" wound up on both the favorites and least favorites list last year. Certainly it might have been shorter if the little lamb had answered the night wind with a simple "Yes." Both songs are appropriate for mid-level choirs, though "Do You Hear" has a way better SSA arrangement.





Holidaze

Happy Christmas (War Is Over) vs. Do They Know It's Christmas 

While some might consider this the "battle of the Christmas downers," really it's a Beatle Battle. Ok, not really. It's a battle of a songwriter named Yoko and a songwriter named Midge.  But seriously, it's a battle of lyrics that are hard to hear, and reminding us that Christmas is more than just what's comfortable at home.






 Kids Kristmas

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town vs. Here Comes Santa Claus

Santa Claus is coming. HE'S COMING! But how? And with what? There's so many questions!!!

Enjoy the pretty lights.