SKU: HL.44013277

This enduringly popular seasonal song has long been a Christmas favourite, even though the lyrics don't mention 'Christmas' at all. The words were by Dick Smith (1901-1935) and the music by Felix Bernard (1897-1944). The inspiration was reportedly a visit by Smithto Honesdale's (his hometown) Central Park when it was covered in snow. The first recording was made by Richard Himbers Ritz-Carlton Orchestra in 1934. The same year Guy Lombardo and his band, The Royal Canadians, took the song to number 2 in the US Billboard Chart, where it stayed for 9 weeks. It has since been recorded by over 150 artists, the most successful versions being by Perry Como and the Andrews Sisters, both released in 1946.

SKU: BT.DHP-1043551-140

The Book of Urizen is Jacob de Haan his first Symphony for concert band, solo soprano, and a male narrator in which sound collages of expressions are used. The piece is inspired by the compelling visionary poem of the samename (which the poet illustrated himself) by the Englishman William Blake (1757-1827). The Vision, first movement and The Creation, second movement of The Book of Urizen are available by following editionnumber: DHP 1043551. The Web, the third movement of The Book of Urizen is available by the following edition number: DHP 1125252. Download the audio samples here: track 1, track 2, track 3

In The Book of Urizen - Jacob de Haan zijn eerste symfonie voor harmonieorkest, zangstem (sopraan) en een mannelijke spreekstem - wordt gebruik gemaakt van geluidscollages. De compositie is ge nspireerd op het gelijknamigegedicht van William Blake (1757-1827). The Vision, het eerste deel en The Creation, het tweede deel van The Book of Urizen zijn beschikbaar via volgend editienummer: DHP 1043551. The Web, het derdedeel van The Book of Urizen is verkrijgbaar via editienummer: DHP 1125252. Download audiofragmenten hier: track 1, track 2, track 3

The Book of Urizen ist Jacob de Haan seine erste Symphonie für Blasorchester, Gesang (Sopran) und (männliche) Sprechstimme, in welcher Botschaften durch Geräuschcollagen wiedergegeben werden. Als Inspirationsquelle dienteder gleichnamige Gedichtzyklus des großen englischen Dichters und Malers William Blake (1757-1827). The Vision, erster Satz und The Creation, zweiter Satz von The Book of Urizen sind unter der folgendenEditionsnummer erhältlich: DHP 1043551. The Web, der dritte Satz von The Book of Urizen , ist unter der folgenden Editionsnummer erhältlich: DHP 1125252. Laden Sie hier die Audiosamples herunter: track 1, track 2,track 3

En 1794, l’écrivain, peintre, graveur, enlumineur, visionnaire et philosophe mystique anglais William Blake (1757-1827) dénonce dans The Book of Urizen (Le Livre d’Urizen), la loi de fer du monde moderne. Dans The Book ofUrizen - la première symphonie de Jacob de Haan pour Orchestre d’Harmonie, Soprano et un récitant - des collages sonores sont utilisés. The Vision, la première partie et The Creation, la deuxième partie de TheBook of Urizen sont disponibles sous le numéro d'éditionsuivant: DHP 1043551. The Web, la troisième partie de The Book of Urizen est disponible sous le numéro d'édition suivant: DHP 1125252. Télécharger lesextraits audio ici: track 1, track 2, track 3

The Book of Urizen is a work for concert band, solo soprano, and a male narrator in which sound collages of religious expressions are used. The piece is inspired by the compelling visionary poem of the same name (which the poet illustratedhimself) by the Englishman William Blake (1757-1827), who occupies a unique position in western literature and the visual arts. He was not just a poet and a writer, but he was also a graphic artist, a painter, an illustrator, a spiritualist, areligious visionary, and a mystic philosopher. For the performance of this work, a professional sound system, including two microphones and a CD player, is needed. The three sound collages are three separate tracks on the enclosed CD and can beplayed easily at the right moment. The Book of Urizen bears resemblance to Genesis and Exodus, of which the contents form the basis of the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faith. Blake adhered to the principle that all religions are in fact one,and that deities reside in human beings. In The Book of Urizen this is represented in “The Net of Religion,” which is spanned over the earth by Urizen. The sound collages, compiled by Jacob de Haan in the studio, find their origin inJerusalem, the Holy City, where the afore-mentioned faiths “come together.” In the first movement of this composition, The Vision, Urizen prepares his vision of the world, and he presents this to the “Eternals.” His vision is rejected,and Urizen locks himself up in his own abstract world. When he does emerge again, he is confronted with rage by the gathered Eternals. Urizen flees the wrath of the Eternals, “the flames of eternal fury,” and enwombs himself in his own world. Whenthe Eternals see Urizen in his “stony sleep,” they wonder if this is death. The blacksmith Los is torn by grief because of the isolation of Urizen. It brings him to rouse his fires, prepare his forge, and to give Urizen’s world concrete form. In thesecond movement, The Creation, Urizen’s world, but also man, woman, and child are created. Los is horrified with the appearance of Urizen’s body. He mourns and pities Urizen, and from his blood a female form comes into being, with thename Enitharmon. The Eternals, fearful of the female form, decide to erect a tent to obstruct their view to eternity. Enitharmon and Los beget a son, called Orc. Los baptizes him as a child of the “fallen world.” Orc is fed at Enitharmon’s breast,which makes a girdle of jealousy restrict Los’ chest. He takes the child to the top of the mountain and chains him down. The cries of Orc awaken Urizen, who explores his world creating instruments of scientific measurement to do so. Los encircles theface of Enitharmon from the sight of Urizen and Orc. She then populates the earth by giving birth to an enormous race.The Web, third movement of The Book of Urizen is now available: DHP 1125252.