Passport
Christmas Music – Just Give Me the Classics
December 7, 2012 Leave a Comment
My close friends and co-workers think I’m not a big fan of Christmas music. I’ll admit that around this time of year I come across as a bit of a Scrooge, but mostly because what songs get played and how early and often they get played is what pains me. Truth is, I actually really like Christmas songs. I just hate the schlock played in most department stores and shopping malls, and the fact that Christmas music is ubiquitous from Halloween until New Years. I’ll even say that I hate such favorites as “Santa Baby” and any tune by any of the Beatles. And by the 9th play of Elvis’ “Blue Christmas” on the oldies channel, I’m simply NOT having a wonderful Christmas time. (no kidding, I kept count one Christmas on the way to Grandma’s and back).
But enough already…I feel like I’m channeling Andy Rooney. After all, I did state above that I do like Christmas music. I’m a fan of the type of Christmas music that you would expect to hear in an old-time movie scene, one with carolers performing somewhere in the distance. And I like my Christmas music in December, preferably beginning 12 or so days before Christmas. (but I also hate “The Twelve Days of Christmas”).
I enjoy classics like “O Holy Night” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” I love the chill I get from hearing a big composition that sounds like it’s echoing off enormous cathedral walls. My mom thinks I go to Chrismas Eve service to appease the family, really it’s because church is one of the best places to hear classic Christmas songs.
Turns out the Internet also is a pretty good place to hear the classics. To my delight this morning I opened Spotify (a free online music streaming service) and right there on the homepage was the album Christmas With Nathan Pacheco. For over a month I’ve ignored the holiday music featured on Spotify, but I clicked on this one because I know Pacheco is classically trained and known for his big voice and arrangements. And because it’s not every day you see a PBS artist featured in the mainstream. Have a listen below…all you need is to create a free Spotify account or log in via Facebook. And if you’re like me and actually like what you hear, enjoy more holiday classics during Christmas With Nathan Pacheco 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 on Wisconsin Public Television.
