Search - Jeffrey Goodman :: Christmas in Camelot: a tale of music and magic in King Arthur's Court, featuring Pachelbel's Canon, Greensleeves and O Holy Night

More than 14 centuries ago on a cold and sparklingly clear Christmas Eve, a deep snow blanketed the land. A brilliant star illuminated the midnight sky: it was a harbinger of a special Christmas. King Arthur had gathered his court at Camelot for an evening of music and celebration. The story of this evening comes from a recently discovered account written by Arthur s court scribe. Embedded within a rare copy of The Red Book of Hergest (the ancient Welsh book of healing and medical remedies) were several hidden pages. Written in an old Welsh dialect, the text, now translated, is history's only eyewitness account of what transpired that evening. The chronicler wrote: The prophet Merlin finally arrived with great fanfare and drama. He carried with him a mysterious glass case covered with a blue silk cloth. King Arthur asked, Merlin, can you now please tell about this special evening of music you have promised us? Merlin answered, Your Highness, tonight we will play Christmas music from more than 1000 years hence. I have traveled into the future and brought music that people all around the world will come to treasure for their Christmas celebrations. Merlin then removed the blue cloth covering the glass case and had all the guests look at its contents. Within were all manner of miniature models of musical instruments. Queen Guenivere then asked, Merlin, what is the purpose of all these instruments? Merlin answered, Your Highness, I have gathered these musical instruments from distant future times. Nowbehold! With a wave of Merlin's arm each of the instruments magically was transformed into its full size. The room was filled with violins, cellos, flutes and various drums and bells. Then Merlin said, I have traveled the across the centuries and have brought to Camelot much music which will become beloved by all peoples. Let us listen and together receive the blessings that this music embodies. Sir Lancelot then asked, But Merlin, we are wondering how will you perform this music for us, since none of us can play these instruments? Merlin answered, For that, noble Knight, I will now summon the spirits who have agreed to come here and help us with the music making. Merlin looked towards heaven and swirled the blue silk cloth through the air. Instantly a host of celestial musicians descended to the great hall and seated themselves among the instruments. King Arthur then said, Indeed Merlin this is truly an auspicious beginning to our Christmas celebration. Please begin. Merlin then gestured to the musicians. They began by playing two especially festive works: 1. Carol of the Bells Ukrainian Christmas Song 2. Canon in D major Johann Pachelbel Niniane then said, Merlin, both of those pieces are indeed inspiring, but can you now play something that is about romantic love? Merlin replied, Of course, then let us hear this sweet English tune that will be much cherished. 3. I Will Give My Love an Apple Anonymous English Folk Song Then Sir Lancelot spoke up, Merlin, what about playing a song that really celebrates the spirit of Christmas, and that we can all dance to? Merlin said, This song may fit your mood. 4. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen English Christmas Carol With all the guests seated again after the dancing, King Arthur said,Merlin, let us now hear more music to inspire our Christmas mood.... The magical evening of Christmas music continued throughout the night. The complete original story and several free down-loadable MP3 tracks can be found at our ShelterofClearLight website.