31 Days of Christmas Music: Day 16

Hi! It's Jilly. Welcome to Day 16 of the 31 Days of Christmas Music series!

Today I wanted to feature two different songs with the same name- The Star Carol. One is from the Alfred Burt Carols, and the other is by John Rutter. They are very different, including completely different lyrics, but both are wonderful!

The Alfred Burt Carols are really neat. Alfred Burt's father started a tradition of writing a new Christmas carol every year and sending it out as their Christmas card. Alfred took over and carried on the tradition. The Star Carol

 "...was the last of the four carols Alfred Burt hurried to finish before he died and the final Alfred Burt Christmas card. In an interview, Anne Burt said that Al realized that death was near and “The Star Carol” reflects his state of mind at the time. It is so beautiful and pure.”He completed the Star Carol on February 5, 1954 and died on February 6, 1954."

Read more about the beautiful history of the Alfred Burt Carols HERE.  Now, let's hear the song!

John Rutter's version is a more upbeat carol. He says, "Hurry to Bethlehem and see the Son of Mary!"


It kind of bugs me how they sing "BethLEEham". Ugh! (That's the choral director in me talking.) But, I thought it was cool that everyone in the audience knew the song and got to sing along. How fun!
Join us tomorrow for our next installment of 31 Days of Christmas Music!
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