about
The melody was created in 1916 by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych and titled "Shchedryk" (Ukrainian word "shchedryi" means "bountiful).
Based on an old Ukrainian folk song, the original lyrics describes the swallow flying into a household to proclaim the plentiful year that the family will have. The folk melody was sung in many Ukrainian villages on Jan. 13 – New Year's Eve on the Julian calendar.
When American choir director and arranger Peter Wilhousky (1902-1978) heard Leontovich's choral work, it reminded him of bells; so he wrote new lyrics to convey that imagery for his choir. The title chosen by him was "Carol of the Bells"
Since then the song has become a popular Christmas tune especially in the US and Canada where it is also known as "Ukrainian Carol".
lyrics
Щедрик щедрик, щедрiвочка,
прилeтiла ластiвочка,
стала собi щебетати,
господаря викликати:
"Вийди, вийди, господарю,
подивися на кошару,
там овечки покотились,
а ягнички народились.
В тебе товар весь хороший,
будеш мати мiрку грошей,
хоч не грошей, то полова:
в тебе жiнка чорноброва."
Щедрик щедрик, щедрiвочка,
прилeтiла ластiвочка.
credits
from
Christmas Collection,
released November 1, 2007
Arrangement: Tatiana Lina
Production: Angels Groove Records
license
all rights reserved