This 1700 carol's history comes in the form of a memory game sung at Christmas time. Each person or child would sing a verse. When somebody missed a verse, some sort of penalty would be enforced. In this arrangement, try and remember which instrument group represents which day, or what mystery tune is used in its place. This particular arrangement is a exciting rendition for players and audiences alike!
- Program Note from Christmas Gone Crazy compact disc
The Twelve Days of Christmas celebrates the holiday season with an increasingly extravagant parade of gifts. From a single partridge in a pear tree to twelve drummers drumming, each verse adds another layer to the joyful— and wonderfully impractical—offerings of a devoted true love.
Repetition is part of the carol's charm: familiar words become a playful test of memory as the list grows longer and anticipation builds toward the next triumphant announcement of "five golden rings!" With its bustling menagerie, dancing lords, and tireless musicians, this holiday favorite invites us to enjoy the merry excitement of Christmas.
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