The New Oxford Book Of Carols

The New Oxford Book of Carols is a significant publication in the field of musicology and religious studies, focusing on the tradition of Christmas carols. This comprehensive collection, edited by Hugh Keyte and Andrew Parrott, was published by Oxford University Press in 1992. It serves as a successor to the Oxford Book of Carols, which was first published in 1928 by Percy Dearmer, Martin Shaw, and Ralph Vaughan Williams. The New Oxford Book of Carols includes a wide range of carols from different periods and regions, offering insights into the cultural, historical, and musical aspects of caroling.

Overview

The New Oxford Book of Carols presents over 200 carols, ranging from medieval texts set to new music, to traditional carols from various cultures, and contemporary compositions that have become part of the caroling tradition. This collection is notable for its scholarly approach, providing extensive notes on the origin, historical context, and musical features of each carol. The editors aimed to reflect the diversity of caroling traditions from around the world, including carols in several languages and from various Christian denominations.

Content and Structure

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects or periods of caroling. These sections include:

- Advent and Christmas: Featuring carols specifically related to the Advent season and the celebration of Christmas. - The Nativity: Carols that narrate the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. - Epiphany: Focusing on carols that celebrate the Epiphany, the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi. - Historical and Modern Carols: This section includes carols from the medieval period to the present day, highlighting the evolution of carol music and lyrics over centuries.

Each carol is presented with its musical notation, lyrics, and a detailed commentary that includes its historical background, linguistic and musical analysis, and performance considerations.

Significance

The New Oxford Book of Carols is considered a landmark publication in the study of carols and their role in cultural and religious practices. It has been praised for its scholarly rigor, comprehensive coverage, and the editors' commitment to presenting a wide variety of carols. Musicologists, choir directors, and anyone interested in the history and practice of caroling find it an invaluable resource.

Reception

Since its publication, The New Oxford Book of Carols has received acclaim from scholars, musicians, and the general public. It is often cited in academic works on musicology and religious studies and has become a standard reference for choirs and musical ensembles preparing for Christmas performances.

See Also

- Christmas carol - Musicology - Religious music - Oxford University Press