The Wexford Carol, one of the oldest Christmas carols in the European tradition; it dates from twelfth-century County Wexford in Ireland. My arrangement lacks lyrics, of course, but hopefully makes up for that omission by including cello, cello and more cello. I am playing my old wooden cello, Godiva, throughout (she insisted). 

Cello: Betsy Tinney. 
Traditional; arranged by Betsy Tinney. All rights reserved.

Originally released in December 2014 to Noodle of the Month Club members and, later, as an Internet single.

The Wexford Carol

I've always loved the 14th-century carol "In Dulci Jubilo", especially when sung by a choir in Latin. When I was little, our town had a tradition in which we gathered on Christmas Eve to sing carols on God's Acre (a small central park featuring the town's immense Christmas tree). People would hand out lyric sheets and hot cocoa, and we'd sing everything from Jingle Bells to ancient medieval carols. I loved the medieval ones the best, especially the few (like this one) that were sung at least partly in Latin. 

At first I was concerned that, without lyrics, the melody might turn out to be too repetitive. (Why no lyrics? Because, of course, my cello doesn't know Latin.) Happily, after playing with the piece for a while, I was pleased to find that the melody and chord structure were easy to improvise against. So, off we went - and this was the result! (My brain did take a bit of a left turn late in the piece, but returned in time for the closing verse.) 

I hope you all enjoy it - and that you all have a lovely December!

In Dulci Jubilo

This year’s cello carol, Veni Emmanuel, is an ancient Advent hymn that traces its origins back 1,200 years to the great “O Antiphons,” which were in existence by at least the 8th century. These seven antiphons are traditionally sung at Vespers from December 17 to 23; the seventh and final antiphon, “O Emmanuel,” is sung on December 23. 

It’s worth noting that this hymn’s history is anything but simple;  it’s not just a modernized version of that seventh antiphon, “O Emmanuel”. The words and the music developed separately. Sometime before the 12th century, the O Antiphons were compiled into a Latin hymn (which, interestingly, became an important teaching tool in the Dark Ages, especially for those who could not read or had no access to a Bible). The “Veni Emmanuel” tune is a plainchant from 15th-century France; it was first linked with the hymn in 1851.  

Most of this piece was recorded in the dark of Solstice Night, between midnight and 5 AM, with just a candle and the moonlight illuminating my studio. 

Cello, arrangement & chords: Betsy Tinney

Veni Emmanuel

This year's cello carol is the traditional French tune Noël Nouvelet, which dates back to the late 15th century. Some sources suggest that it was originally a New Year's carol (the word nouvelet has the same root as Noël, both stemming from the word for news and newness). However, some of the oldest lyrics for Noël Nouvelet (from 1487) celebrate the news of the nativity and the figures in the crèche. 

My arrangement features cello, bodhran and guitar (and neither Nativity nor New Year's lyrics). It's worth noting that this is the first time I've ever played  guitar on a recording. I hadn't touched my guitar in years, so my fingers were pretty sore afterward (unfortunately, guitar calluses are in a completely different spot from cello calluses). I'm pretty happy with how the recording turned out, though, so there may well be more guitar from me in the future. (My guitar, by the way, is a wee thing in a rich burgundy color; her name is Sangria.)

Cello, guitar & drum programming: Betsy

Noël Nouvelet

Hello dear Patrons! We've made it through April!

As many of you know, I am fond of grey, rainy days. The sound of the rain is soothing, and my inner dryad finds it reassuring that her trees are receiving the moisture they need. During this stressful time, I've appreciated this April's rainy days even more than usual: balm for both the forest and the soul. 

I hope you are all staying safe and well, and are keeping your spirits up. 

Love,
Betsy

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Cello & more cello: Betsy
Cover image: a paper collage by Sandra Odell

Cover image description: Rainbow-hued raindrops fall across a large white circle. The image background is a deep blue; the white circle is divided into horizontal segments, and the blue background shows between the segments as well as around the circle. In the bottom right corner, a dark-brown wooden dragonfly charm hovers over several layers of variously-shaped green leaves in various hues of green. The sans-serif titles read, "Betsy Tinney, cello" and "April Showers".