The Ukrainian Bell Carol is part of a large choral work entitled Shchediyk by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych (1877-1921). It was first performed by students of Kiev University in December 1916.
The tune is an adaptation of an old ‘shchedrivka a song traditionally sung on Ukrainian New year’s Eve (January 13th) which hopes for good fortune in the year to come. In Shchedryk, Leontovych added the lyrics which concern the legend claiming that when Jesus was born, all the bells on earth started ringing in his honour.
The tune has since been the inspiration of at least four different Christmas carols, of which Carol of the Bells is the most famous. Carol of the Bells was adapted (both melody and lyrics) from Leontovych’s original in 1936 by Peter J. Wilhousky (1902-1978), composer, arranger, teacher and eminent choral director, for a concert with his famous All City High School Chorus of New york. Nevertheless Philip Sparke has sourced the original Ukrainian melody to create this stirring arrangement.
