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Frequently Asked Questions
How did all of this get started?
What is the purpose of this site?
What are your sources of hymns and carols?
Do you have the tunes or sheet music on this site?
Why I can't get the graphics to print correctly?
What is the source of the MIDI files?
What is Noteworthy Composer?
Why doesn't the Noteworthy Composer browser plug-in
work with Internet Explorer?
What about carols from the Middle English?
Why can't I find "Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer (or other modern songs)?
Are there any other carols you don't have in this
collection?
How to correct an error.
How often is this site updated?
Can I link to this site?
Can I copy these hymns and carols?
Then why is this site copyright?
Making a donation?
If you have other questions, please
me.

How did all of this
get started?
It all started so innocently. I was playing
guitar in a bluegrass trio. The leader of the group, Dick Weber,
suggested that we do a mini-concert at a local VA nursing home
during the holiday season. I've always loved Christmas carols, and
volunteered to get a few together.
That was in about 1996, and I've just keep adding
and adding to the collection.
This page
contains additional information about me and the collection.
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What is the purpose of
this site?
The purpose of this site is to preserve the rich
history of carols and hymns which might otherwise be lost. Since
it would be impractical to publish in book form, the collection is
published to the World Wide Web (As of October, 2005 the printed
collection consisted of 2,300 hymns and carols, and is 5½ feet wide
— 18 three-inch binders). The
ultimate goal is to have the largest collection of hymns and
carols of Christmas ever published in the English language. Carols
or hymns in a language other than English are not usually
incorporated, as I do not speak any other language than English
(more or less). I strongly encourage speakers of other
languages to create similar pages, to which I will gladly
link!
I began the incorporation process of the main
collection on January 7, 2002. It was time-consuming process — 8
months and a day before the whole collection (excluding songs under
copyright) was added to the site. Additional hymns and carols are being incorporated
on a regular basis. Please check back. I'll note
my progress on the What's
New page to this site.
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What are your sources of
hymns and carols?
A primary source for older hymns and carols are
old hymnals and collections of carols. I've got dozens of
old hymnals or carol collections which form the basis of the
collection — and I'm acquiring more on a regular basis. Some
other hymns and carols have been collected from
more contemporary collections (subject to copyright restrictions)
and other web sites; credit is given in the Bibliography. The
complete list is in this listing:
Hymnal_And_Carol_Collections.pdf. This does not include
reference material.
I'm always on the lookout for a carol or hymn
which would be appropriate for inclusion, or for information
about a particular hymn or carol which has heretofore escaped my
attention (author, composer, history, etc.). If you know of
one, please
it to me (lyrics, background, and music in any of several
formats: MIDI, scans of the music (in GIF or JPG, etc.), or Noteworthy
Composer® files — a free player is available at their site;
you'll need the reader to see scores that are saved on this site.).
If I use the material you send, I'll give appropriate credit on the Acknowledgements
page.
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Do you have the tunes or
sheet music on this site?
If I know what tune or tunes are associated with a
given carol or hymn, and if I can find a copy on the Internet that
isn't copyright, I will include it on the site. The tunes that
are included are in the MIDI format. In a few cases, I've sequenced
the tune myself, but this is more of a long-term project. On the
page of a given hymn or carol, look for a "MIDI"
link. This is the link to the tune itself. For more
information on MIDI files, see below.
There is a little sheet music on the site, but not
much. If I have a MIDI file of the tune, I can convert it into
a score using Noteworthy Composer® (see below). In a
few cases — such as tunes printed in Bramley & Stainer (1871) and Hutchins (1916)
— I've scanned the music into a graphics format and included it on
the site. Some of these scans of old hymnals and collections is not
of the highest quality; age has taken its toll on many of these
sources.
Due to copyright restrictions, there are no modern
copies of sheet music on this site (later than 1923). There are links to sheet
music distributors on a special Sheet Music Links page.
Where no tune is known (and this is very common,
especially among older hymns), feel free to use any tune that
matches the meter of the words of the hymn or carol. The Church of
God (CG Music) has three good discussions: What
Is Metre, Why
Should I Care, and How Do I Use It,
all of which I recommend. Or, you can take a look at my
mini-essay on the topic: What
Is Musical Meter?.
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Why I can't get the
graphics to display or print correctly?
Display issues are usually a browser problem. Some
browsers adjust the size of a graphic to what the program thinks it
should be — usually with poor results. You can instruct the browser
not to adjust the size of the graphic. Usually, it's under
"Options."
When I want to print a graphic, I copy the graphic to my computer
(Windows users: right-click on the graphic and select "save
as."). Then I open a word processing program and
"insert" the picture onto a blank page. The graphic
can then be appropriately resized and printed. Instead of a
word processing program, you could also use a presentation program,
publishing program, graphics program, etc.
As noted above, much of the scanned sheet music is
from old hymnals and collections. The end result is not of the
highest quality as age has taken its toll on many of these sources.
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What is the source of the
MIDI files?
In most cases, MIDI files have been obtained
from other sites on the Internet. I've sequenced only a very
few myself, but expect to sequence more of them in the future, using
Noteworthy Composer®. In all cases, I have retained
any internal authorship identification. I have included a MIDI file
and Noteworthy Composer file where ever possible. In some cases —
especially the most ancient — no such files exist.
If I sequence the file, it will usually include only the
melody line and the first verse. As time goes by, I'm including
the full score (usually SATB). Write if you
have a specific need.
You will need to have a program on your computer
that will play MIDI files in order to access files. Windows®
users can use the built-in Media Player® or other similar
program. As I don't speak Apple, I can't make any
recommendations for users of the Macintosh; the same applies
to users of other operating systems, such as *nix. My best
advise is to go to CNET;
select the "Downloads" section and do a search.
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What is Noteworthy Composer?
Music scores are in the Noteworthy
Composer® format, which is a program in which you can
view, generate or modify files which can be printed as musical
scores (or saved as MIDI files). In order to access these
files, you will need to download the free Noteworthy
Player® and plug-in, or both.
By the way, I do not provide support for Noteworthy
Composer® or any other program that is needed to view the files on
this site. Please contact the authors of such programs for
support. I do not intend to support other formats, such as Finale®
or Scorch®.
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Why doesn't the browser
plug-in work with Internet Explorer?
According to the publishers of Noteworthy Composer,
in 2003, Microsoft has been removing support for Netscape Style
Browser Plugins from Internet Explorer. The NWC Browser Plugin will
not work with newer versions of Internet Explorer, due to actions
taken by Microsoft. You can still install the plugin, but it may not
work if you use a newer edition of Internet Explorer where Microsoft
has removed Netscape Plugin support.
Netscape 7.1 doesn't seem to work, either.
I'm pretty bummed out about this, but there's
nothing I can do about it. Personally, I've switched to
Opera,
Mozilla and
Firefox Browsers. Being of
Scandinavian descent, I'm using the "Bork" version of
Opera <grin>, but
may upgrade to a newer version.
The work-around is that, starting with the "O"
carols from the Hutchins collection, I am also saving the scores in
the Adobe PDF® format.
After the Hutchins collection is complete, I'll go back to create
PDF versions of the other scores in NWC format. All new acquisitions
will be sequenced in MIDI, Noteworthy Composer, and PDF.
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What about carols from the
Middle English?
The earliest carols were written in Middle
English, which in some cases bears little resemblance to modern
English (or even "American"). In these cases, I have not
attempted to translate the original into modern English (as I have
no facility with Middle English - or any other "foreign"
language). As much as possible, I have retyped the originals
as I found them (especially those from William Sandys, for
example).
Because Middle English contains letters not found in
modern English, I've used a special font, "Junius Modern"
created by Professor Peter S. Baker, Professor of English,
University of Virginia on some pages. I will note on the
individual carol's page which ones need this font. You can obtain a
copy of this font from his website Old English
at the University of Virginia (or right click here, and then select "Save File
As" to save a copy of the zipped file to your computer).
This font must be downloaded and installed before these pages will
display accurately.
Some special characters — especially for the letter
"s" — are not contained in Dr. Baker's font.
When a change to the modern letter has been made, I will italicize
the letter.
Some other carols, especially those from the 16th
century, are reproduced using a font called "Old
Blackletter." For some pages, this font must be installed in
order to accurately represent the text. You can download this
font from that "impecunious antiquarian" Red Henry's
Old English Page
(or right click here and then select
"Save File As" to save a copy of the file to your
computer). Again, will note on the individual carol's page
which ones need this font.
The reader may find the following resource to be
helpful:
A Concise Dictionary of Middle English
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Why can't I find
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (or other modern songs)?
This is an issue of copyright. Much of what
was written in the 20th Century is under copyright, both the words
and the music (or contemporary arrangements of older music), and
recordings. These songs will not intentionally be included on
this web site unless the copyright holder permits it (at this time,
I will not be seeking these permissions). In some cases, for
example the Alfred Burt carols, the carols are posted on a
site of someone who has obtained the rights to post the carols from
the copyright holder (the lyrics have been removed from the site
since this was originally written). In such cases, I've linked to those
sites; all external links will open in a new window.
For more information about Copyright law, the U.S.
government maintains a copyright site, which I recommend. Also,
you might want to read the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case
of Elred v. Ashcroft (537 US ___, 2003), which affirms the validity
of the 1998 amendment to US Copyright law and which contains the
Court's history and understanding of US copyright law. A copy
of this decision is available at the Supreme Court
website. Note that this law brings US law into conformance with the
European Union term adopted in 1993
A simple explanation is that the 1998 law extends
copyright protection to 70 years following the death of a known
creator for works created on or after January 1, 1978. For
anonymous works, pseudonymous works, and works made for hire, the
protection is from creation to 95 years following publication, or
120 years from creation, which ever expires first. For works
published between 1923 and 1977, the period will often be 67 years
(there are exceptions). Note: I do not hold myself
out as an expert in copyright law; please do not rely upon this
interpretation. If you have copyright issues, please consult a
qualified attorney.
For a good summary, see the page
Copyright Term and Public Domain in the United States.
If I have inadvertently included a carol or hymn
which is under copyright, I apologize. If you want that material
removed from
this site, please
me. I'll remove it as quickly as I can (which might take a few
days or a couple of weeks if I'm ill, out of town, if the
computer is down, etc.; your patience is appreciated).
In sum,
-
If a carol or hymn is listed, it is in my
collection.
-
If linked, it is in the public domain (as far as
I can tell) or linked to a site with copyright (for example,
Austin Rudy, Albert Burt, and the Rabid Fans Sports Carols).
-
If unlinked, it is under copyright and not
available at this site (in some cases I have created a page with
basic information about the hymn or carol, but not including the
lyrics or music, as appropriate).
However, many carols and hymns under copyright are
widely available at other sites on the Internet. I've tried to
provide links to other major collections on the Links page and in the Bibliography. If you have such a
collection that I am unaware of, please
me; I'll gladly add a link to your site (especially if you offer
a link back to this site ;). If you are collecting carols, let your
conscience be your guide.
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Are there any other
carols you don't have in this collection?
I have intentionally excluded from this
collection humor and parodies of carols in the areas named below.
In each case, I feel that the humor is misplaced, usually in a poor
attempt to ridicule human conditions which either the individual has
little or no control, or where there is simply nothing to celebrate.
If you're interested, such parodies can be readily
found on the World Wide Web.
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How to correct an error.
Gently. Here's an email link:
I would like to take this opportunity to quote from
the Introduction of "Ancient Mysteries Described" by William Hone
(1823):
"Lastly, I am bound to confess the existence of
a few errors, not affecting the sense, that were discovered too
late for correction, though in sufficient time to enable me to
affirm, as a warning to others, that the worst editor of an
author's writings is himself."
Point taken.
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How often is this site
updated?
This site is updated regularly, but not on any
schedule. This is a "hobby" site; I have a full-time
job that pays the bills and usually work 5 1/2 days a week, plus
another 7 1/2 hours per week on the freeway.
Since it is unlikely that I can live on my good looks, the updates
will continue coming -- whenever I have new hymns or carols to
contribute, usually about once a week. Please check back
often.
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Can I link to this site?
Please feel free to link to this site.
And I'm always happy to link to other Christmas sites.
Suggested text:
Title:
A Treasury
of Christmas Carols: The Hymns and
Carols of Christmas
URL:
http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com
Text: Over 2,300 Christmas carols and
hymns, preserving the rich history of Christmas carols and hymns
which might otherwise be lost.
Or, some code (for those who like to work "under the
hood"):
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/">A
Treasury of Christmas Carols: The Hymns and Carols of Christmas</a>.
Over 2,300 Christmas carols and hymns, preserving the rich history
of Christmas carols and hymns which might otherwise be lost. </p>
All in one, copy and paste:
A Treasury
of Christmas Carols: The Hymns and
Carols of Christmas. Over 2,300 Christmas carols and hymns,
preserving the rich history of Christmas carols and hymns which
might otherwise be lost.
If you like banners, here's one to consider:

Banner:
http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/images/HHC-Logo448.jpg
Here are two others; feel free to resize to fit your needs:
If you need a custom size, please
me.
Again, I will gladly link-back to your site if
your site is one which relates to Christmas. I only link to sites
which relate to Christmas in some manner; it must be a family-safe
website. Please email a suggested
link text and URL. To keep this site accessible to those with dial-up
connections, I do not generally post banners (such as the one above).
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Can I copy these hymns
and carols?
You can feel free to copy any and all
files that strike your fancy. Downloading the entire site
would probably be too time-consuming for those of us (including me)
who have a dial-up connection; the current size is over 700 MB and
growing. If you have a broadband connection (DSL, cable or a T-x),
feel free to knock yourself out.
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Then why is this
site copyright?
This site and all its contents are copyright. The
only reason for this is to prevent someone else from copying
the site, setting up another, slapping a copyright on it, charging a
fortune to get copies, and forcing me to close this web site.
It's happened to others. The strangest story of all: a private
"entrepreneur" copied a public-domain family-support
military site, reposted it under another name, and posted a
copyright notice! Go figure.
However, you can feel free to copy any and
all files that strike your fancy. Everything is copyright,
but placed in the public domain, although subject to the caveat that
no one may copy the contents of this site, or any portion thereof,
and charge another to reproduce the contents.
Downloading the entire site would probably be too
time-consuming for those of us (including me) who have a dial-up
connection; the current size is over 660 MB and growing. If you have
DSL, cable-access or a T-1, feel free to knock yourself — and your
bandwidth — out.
I no longer offer a CD of the site. I have
neither the equipment nor the time. The only copy I ever sold
cost me twice the (then) suggested donation. Way more trouble
than its worth. Just download the site using a website
downloading program.
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Making a Donation?
For some time, I had a link at PayPal, so that interested parties
could make a cash donation to me. I've removed that link.
The current policy is this: this site is donation-ware.
I'd prefer, if you have received a benefit from this site, that
you make a donation to a children's hospital, a women's shelter, a
soup kitchen or food bank, or a similar charity. Please recall the
exhortation to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, greet the
stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and those in prison
(Matthew 25:31-46). I don't require any acknowledgement of any
gifts given to such a charity. While your faith should shine
like a beacon before mankind (Matthew 5:14-16), gifts are best given
with less fanfare, recalling the instruction that "when you give
alms, sound no trumpet before you....[Let] your alms ... be in
secret." (Matthew 6:2-3).
"Do
not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that
some have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13: 2
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