Classical Notes
Why operatic climax gives us best Christmas carol of all
God knows how many versions of O Holy Night, we will hear between now and the new year. However, I’m sure the Almighty has the wherewithal to check these statistics to his own approval
The Christmas song O Holy Night interests me in a classical music context, as it is probably the most operatic of all Christmas carols and never fails to grab the genuine spiritual emotion of the festival.
It has a beginning, a middle and an ending that compares favourably with great dramatic arias and its climax has Nessum Dorma appeal. I’m thinking here especially of the great Luciano Pavarotti who sang both with stunning effect. I ...