Russ Burleigh and Kathy Grammer Christmas Program

Posted by Win Winch

December 13^th Meeting

The club welcomed back Portland Rotarian, Russ Burleigh for his annual (25^th) visit. He introduced Kathy Grammer, piano accompanist. Together they presented:”The Bells of Christmas” as used in various songs over the years.

Russ noted that bells are used to announce an event, activity, or occasion. They toll for bad times and ring out warnings. Tonight, we think of bells as they herald an event. Specifically we heard:

1. Ding, Dong Merrily on High

2. Carol of the Bells

3. Kling, Glockchen, Kling (German)

4. Silver Bells (from “The Lemon Drop Kid” 1950 Bob Hope, Marilyn Maxwell)

5. Jingle Bell Rock (#2 after Sleigh Ride on ASCAP number of plays)

6. Campana Sobre Campana 9panish)

7. Jingle Bells 1850 originally published as “A One-Horse Open Sleigh”)

8. Bells of Finland (Joulun Kellot)

9. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day written by Longfellow after he heard the bells on the First Baptist Church in Cambridge that lifted his spirits following the loss of his wife and son in separate events.

The program was capped off with the singing of the Scarborough Song (Thank you John Murphy!) As always it was a very fascinating and educational musical presentation.