"The Christmas Song" sometimes titled "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" or, as it was originally subtitled, "Merry Christmas to You" is a classic Christmas song written in 1945 by Robert Wells and Mel Torme.
According to Torme, the song was written in July during a blistering hot summer. In an effort to "stay cool by thinking cool", the most-performed Christmas song was born. "I saw a spiral pad on his (Wells's) piano with four lines written in pencil", Torme recalled. "They started, 'Chestnuts roasting..., Jack Frost nipping..., Yuletide carols..., Folks dressed up like Eskimos.' Bob didn't think he was writing a song lyric. He said he thought if he could immerse himself in winter he could cool off. Forty minutes later that song was written. I wrote all the music and some of the lyrics."
The Nat King Cole Trio first recorded the song in June 1946.
Dedicated to all beautiful peoples of our world!
Peace and Joy is my wish for all!!!
As a music director/organist, I am always looking for additional sources for new, old, and forgotten hymns and other music. This resource would also be an excellent way to broaden my view of hymnody through history, hymnals, composers, sources, etc. I look forward to new discoveries!
I sing @ St. Vincent in Menifee & St. Peter's in Fallbrook. I am seeking musicians to form a band. I live in Menifee, so local guitarist, keyboards, & female vocals are sought. Dedicated only, & disciplined to practice alone & with group, weekly.
As a young Catholic who adores hymns, I would like to become more aware of those I haven’t heard before. I’m also looking for a space to help identify songs I’d heard once but lost to my memory
Engagée dans la diffusion de la musique catholique, je cherche à partager des chants pour contribuer à l’œuvre d’évangélisation selon mes humbles moyens. Que Dieu veille sur chacun de nous !
I've written a Mass setting, got it approved by the USCCB, several psalm settings, and a couple years of gospel acclamation verses. Looking for a place to publish my works.
As a Catholic songwriter and singer myself, I want to contribute to the community and receive info on how to promote good Catholic songs to a wide audiences.
I am Catholic and a piano teacher. The Catholic Church has the most beautiful treasury of hymns.
I want my students to study hymns. Also, I want to memorize the words of some of the hymns that are in Latin and having access to the sheet music will help with that. Thank you.
I'm a music director at a Cathedral and a composer. I would love to hear other composers, music, ideas, etc. Additionally, I'd like to share my own music.
Comments
Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
Richard Schletty | Schletty Design and Music | www.schletty.com
Thank you so much,
Wishing you and your whole family Peace and Joy for the Holidays!!!
With love and respect,
Rene and Clarissa