As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, music becomes one of the most beautiful ways to bring light into the winter season.
For Winter Times is a violin Christmas album offering fifteen timeless Carols and Christmas songs, thoughtfully gathered to bring warmth and richness to your holiday repertoire.
The album is available here as a downloadable PDF. It includes the full score for both violins plus the separate violin melody part.
Below you’ll find the full track list, each followed by a brief look at its history and meaning.
1. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
This lively English carol dates back to the 16th century and originates from the West Country of England. It has traditionally been associated with the custom of “wassailing” — groups of carol-singers visiting homes, offering good wishes (and sometimes treats) for the season. Its cheerful refrain of goodwill reflects community, generosity, and festive celebration.
2. Jingle Bells
Originally composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1857 under the title “One Horse Open Sleigh,” this piece was first published for Thanksgiving in the United States but soon became a seasonal favourite around Christmas. Its depiction of a sleigh ride, ringing bells, and winter joviality captures the lighter, playful side of the holiday.
3. Gloria (Angels We Have Heard on High)
This carol traces its roots to the French traditional song Les anges dans nos campagnes (c. 18th century). The English version of the lyrics gained popularity in the 19th century. The hallmark “Gloria in excelsis Deo” refrain evokes the soaring hymn-like cry of angels, symbolising the heavenly proclamation of joy.
4. Away in a Manger
Often attributed to late 19th-century American origin, Away in a Manger became a staple in children’s repertoire and Christmas hymn collections. Its gentle, lullaby tone reflects the nativity scene’s intimate calm: a humble manger, a sleeping child, and the quiet devotion of the moment.
5. Stille Nacht (Silent Night)
Composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in Oberndorf, Austria, this carol has become one of the most universally beloved Christmas songs. Originally written for guitar accompaniment (when the church organ failed), it speaks of peace, stillness, and the holy night of the Nativity.
6. Kling Glöckchen
“Kling Glöckchen” (literally “Ring Little Bell”) is a cheerful German carol from the 19th century that calls children to ring bells and greet the festive season. Its imagery evokes the sparkle of winter, ringing bells on the door, and the joy of communal festivity.
7. Deck the Hall
The melody derives from the 16th-century Welsh winter song Nos Galan. The English lyrics were written in the mid-19th century by Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant (1862) to suit the tune. The carol celebrates the bringing of light, joy, and decoration into the winter gloom — the hall decked with boughs, the “fa-la-la” chorus echoing merriment.
8. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Penned in 1849 by Edmund Sears during a time of personal and national reflection, this carol contemplates themes of peace, heavenly message, and hope. Its more meditative tone contrasts with exuberant celebration, inviting listeners to stillness and reflection in the midwinter night.
9. I Saw Three Ships
This English carol dates back to at least the 17th century (with possible earlier folk roots in Derbyshire) and was first printed in 1833. It describes three ships coming into Bethlehem — a curious geographic image given Bethlehem is land-locked — leading to theories about symbolic “ships” (such as camels, relic-bearing vessels, or metaphorical journeys). The song has become a whimsical and enduring part of English Christmas tradition.
10. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
One of the oldest known English carols, with origins in the 16th century, this piece uses the archaic meaning of “merry” (i.e., “merry = good”) and addresses the listener with wishes of comfort and joy: “God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay.” Its minor-key melody and message of hope in redemption combine solemnity and festive reflection.
11. In the Bleak Midwinter
With text by Christina Rossetti (1872) and music by Gustav Holst (1906) — later complemented by other settings such as by Harold Darke — this carol evokes a wintry landscape: snow on snow, cold, silent skies, yet the warmth of faith within. It has become a favourite for its simple beauty and contemplative mood.
12. The First Nowell
A traditional English carol first published in 1823, The First Nowell tells the story of the shepherds’ adoration, the star, and the Nativity scene. The word “Nowell” derives from the Old French noël meaning “birth” or “Christmas.” Its melody and text reflect narrative tradition and communal celebration of the birth of Christ.
13. Sankta Lucia (Santa Lucia – A Festival of Light)
Rooted in Scandinavian tradition, the song honours Saint Lucy of Syracuse (d. 304) and the Swedish “Lucia” procession on 13 December — historically the longest night of the year under the Julian calendar. The celebration blends Christian martyr legend (Lucy bringing food and light to persecuted Christians) with ancient winter-celebration customs of light and hope in darkness.
14. O Holy Night
Composed in 1847 by Adolphe Adam (with original French text by Placide Cappeau) and translated into English in 1855, this carol offers a dramatic, reverent meditation on the birth of Christ, human redemption, and the “night Divine.” It often features sweeping vocal lines — and has secured a place among the most grand and soulful of Christmas hymns.
15. Carol of the Bells
Originating in Ukraine, the melody comes from the folk chant “Shchedryk” (pre-1916) and was adapted by Mykola Leontovych (c. 1916) with later English lyrics by Peter J. Wilhousky (1936). The original Ukrainian song was a winter-wishing chant, not initially a Christmas carol, but has since become one of the most recognisable holiday melodies worldwide.
An Album for Every Violinist
For Winter Times brings together heritage, tradition, and musical beauty — offering a rich seasonal repertoire rooted in history and imagination. Designed for violin teachers, adult amateurs, and music lovers alike, this collection invites both duet collaboration and solo performance.