Of all things Christmas, nothing is more traditional than the singing of carols and songs. Songs that capture in lyrics and in music the many traditions that we have at this joyous Season: the birth of the Christ child, the Christmas tree, the opening of gifts, sleigh rides, and holiday get-togethers with family and friends. On October 30, 1889 banjoist Will Lyle made history by recording 'Jingle Bells' - the very first Christmas record. Although no known copies of this recording survive, one of the earliest vocal examples of 'Jingle Bells' does survive on an Edison brown wax cylinder entitled, 'The Sleigh Ride Party'. It was made a decade after Lyle's recording, and remained in the Edison Catalog for a number of years. The songs and monologues featured here are taken from original Edison test pressings and capture the essence of the Christmas spirit as it was in the opening two decades of the 20th Century.

Track Listing

• Edison Concert Band - Joy To The World
• Elizabeth Spencer & Chorus - Silent night
• Carl Flesch - Ave Maria (Schubert)
• Harry E Humphry - The Night Before Christmas
• Edison Mixed Chorus - Hark The Herald Angel Sing
• Metropolitan Quartet - O Come All Ye Faithful
• Oratorio Chorus - Hallelujah Chorus from 'Messiah'
• The Carol Singers - The First Noel
• The Carol Singers - God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
• Yuletide Ensamble - Mr. Edison's Christmas Selections - Part 1
• Yuletide Ensamble - Mr. Edison's Christmas Selections - Part 2
• Robert Gaylor - Bells - The Christmas Bells
• Ernest Hare - Santa Claus Proves There Is A Santa Claus
• Edison Employees - Christmas Greetings From The Bunch At Orange - Part One
• Edison Employees - Christmas Greetings From The Bunch At Orange - Part Two
• Murray Kellner's Dinner Orchestra - March Of The Toys
• Vaughn Deleath - Santa Claus Land - Part One
• Vaughn Deleath - Santa Claus Land - Part Two

Additional Details

Label: Document Records

Genre: Holiday

Run Time: 70 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 11/11/14

UPC: 714298111224