O Holy Night topped a poll to find the nation’s most beloved Christmas carol, beating Silent Night to the top of the list of splendid tree-tree carnival tunes.
Gustav Holst’s version of In The Bleak Midwinter (song from Peaky Blinders) came in third and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and its vibrant choir came in fourth, in an annual survey by Classic FM.
O Holy Night, believed to be the first carol to be broadcast on radio, held the number one spot for the sixth year in a row.
Reginald Fessenden, a Canadian inventor, broadcast the first mid-wave radio program on Christmas Eve 1906, in which he played O Holy Night on the violin.
Over the years, the song has been included by music superstars Queen of Christmas Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli.
The lyrics of O Holy Night come from a French poem, while the music, composed by Adolphe Adam, is followed.
But wait, there’s myrrh!
Harold Darke’s version of In The Bleak Midwinter was fifth in the poll, while O Come All Ye Faithful, Carol Of The Bells (famously used in Home Alone, as well as TV shows including The West). Wing), O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Once In Royal David’s City and Away In A Manger make up the rest of the top 10.
More than 17,000 votes were cast in the 20th year of the Classic FM poll.
There’s a new entry this year – Angels From The Realms Of Glory – flying at 27th, while the highest climber is We Three Kings, which has risen three places to 21st.
Classic FM’s top 20 Christmas carols
- O holy night
- Quiet night
- In The Bleak Midwinter (Gustav Holst version)
- Listen! The Herald Angels Sing
- In The Bleak Midwinter (Howard Darke version)
- O Come to all faithful friends
- Carol Of The Bells
- O little town of Bethlehem
- Once In Royal David’s City
- Walk in the Manger
- Joy for the whole world
- O Come, O Come Emmanuel
- Ding Dong! Fun on high
- May God rest in peace, you are happy, gentlemen
- Holly and the ivy
- Good King Wenceslas
- In Dulci Jubilo
- Gaudete
- Coventry Carol
- It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Coventry Carol was the team that dropped the most, dropping four places to 19th.
A countdown of the 30 best carols will be broadcast during the Christmas Day special – the nation’s favorite Carol – performed by John Brunning from 1pm on Classic FM and Global Player.
Brunning said: ‘Carols have been at the heart of Christmas for hundreds of years and continue to be enjoyed – and sung – by millions across the UK this time of year.
‘As a carol, O Holy Night had it all. It has a beautiful melody, strong language, and at its core is a story of hope and the promise of redemption.
‘Its enduring popularity over the years – through the good times as well as the challenges we’re facing – is undeniable and it deserves to be a favorite of the whole family. country.’
Have a story?
If you have a celebrity story, video or photo please contact Metro.co.uk entertainment group by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting Submit content page – we’d love to hear from you.
THAN : Finalists 2021: Which Celebrities Are Missing In The Finals?
THAN : The most incredible celebrity Christmas decorations to date to inspire your own home
https://metro.co.uk/2021/12/19/which-christmas-carol-has-been-crowned-the-nations-favourite-15792183/ Which Christmas carol has been crowned the nation's favorite?