I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY - Calkin
Time signature: 4/4
Tempo: Moderate. |
Words: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1863)
Music: John Baptiste Calkin (1872) |
There are two different tunes for this Christmas carol, A recent one by Johnny Marks in 1956, and an earlier one (given below) by John Baptiste Calkin back in 1872.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Notation & youTube keys need to be checked.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Notation & youTube keys need to be checked.
Accordion Notation
Beats per bar = 4
Beat symbol = Dot ( . ) or equivalent |
Inside row (low) = Buttons 2* to 6 plus o1* & o6*
There are two important accidentals in this tune that are only available on the double-row Erica accordion when playing low on the inside row, as shown below. |
Verse 1 (of 4)
.3 | ;4 "o1* .4 .4 | ;4* "4 .4*
I heard the bells on Christ-mas day,
.o6* | .5 .6 .6* .5* | ;5* "5 .5
Their old fa - mil - iar car - ols play. /
.5 | ;5 "4* .4 .4* | ;4 "3* .3
And wild and sweet the words re - peat /
.3* | .4 .4* .5 .5* | ;2* "3* .3~
Of peace on earth good will to men. /
.3 | ;4 "o1* .4 .4 | ;4* "4 .4*
I heard the bells on Christ-mas day,
.o6* | .5 .6 .6* .5* | ;5* "5 .5
Their old fa - mil - iar car - ols play. /
.5 | ;5 "4* .4 .4* | ;4 "3* .3
And wild and sweet the words re - peat /
.3* | .4 .4* .5 .5* | ;2* "3* .3~
Of peace on earth good will to men. /
Verses 2 to 4 follow the tune for verse 1, slowing near end of verse 4 and holding the final note for a count of "two" (or more, if you prefer) beats.
Guitar (Chord - strumming) Notation
Chords are given for keys of C (blue) and G (red). For other keys, use capo.
Verse 1 (of 4)
| G | D7
| C | G7
I heard the bells on Christmas day,
| G | Am D7
| C | Dm G7
Their old familiar carols play.
| G | Em
| C | Am
And wild and sweet the words repeat
| G | D7 G
| C | G7 C
Of peace on earth good will to men.
| G | D7
| C | G7
I heard the bells on Christmas day,
| G | Am D7
| C | Dm G7
Their old familiar carols play.
| G | Em
| C | Am
And wild and sweet the words repeat
| G | D7 G
| C | G7 C
Of peace on earth good will to men.
Embedded youTube VIDEOS
Total of 11 videos in various keys: D = 3; Eb = 4; E = 2; F = 1; G = 1
Key: F from time 0 to 0:49
G from 0:50 to 2:25 (End) Singer: Johnny Cash Posted by: Johnny Cash |
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Key: Eb from time 0 to 1:24
E from 1:25 to 2:33 (End) Singer: Jimmie Rodgers Posted by: Christmas Essentials |
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Key: D
Singer: Steven Curtis Chapman Posted by: Steven Curtis Chapman |
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Key: F
Group: St. Peter's Choir Posted by: 1finch2finch |
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Key: D
Singer: Anthony (Tony) Archibald Posted by: threelegsoman Tony's comments imply he is using the Calkin version. However, the tune departs in a number of places from the notes and rhythm shown above. Still, an enjoyable performance and interpretation. |
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Key: D
Arranged and performed by www.hymncharts.com Posted by: Celebrating Holidays |
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Key: E
Organist: Rodney Jantzi Played on a reed organ, with church chimes added. Posted by: Rodney Jantzi |
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Key: Eb
Pianist: Andrew Remillard Posted by: Andrew Remillard |
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Key: Eb
Slides & Audio by CARadke Posted by: HymnSite |
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Key: Eb from time 0 to 1:50
F from 1:51 to 3:06 (End) Group: Gaither Vocal Band Posted by: Diego James Christian |
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Key: Eb from time 0 to
Gb from 1:50 to 2:18 G from 2:19 to (End) Group: The Heritage Chorale UMKC Conservatory of Music Posted by: jpbkc Carol begins at time 0:24 |
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Background Materials, Information & Links
Lyrics:
|
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play And mild and sweet their words repeat Of peace on earth good will to men I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rung so long the unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head There is no peace on earth I said For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men Then pealed the bells more loud and deep God is not dead, nor does he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail With peace on earth, good will to men |
Background Links:
(wikipedia) |
Click HERE for additional info about this song.
Click HERE for biographical info on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Click HERE for information about musician John Baptiste Calkin |