Charlie Brown Christmas Music: The Best Instrumental Songs
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Charlie Brown Christmas is a 1965 studio album by American composer/conductor Vince Guaraldi (later credited to the Vince Guaraldi Trio). The album was released in December 1965 in the U.S. by Fantasy Records.
Christmas Time is Here
One of the most beloved elements of any Charlie Brown Christmas is the music. The shows composer, Vince Guaraldi, wrote several classic jazz tunes for the special including “Christmas Time is Here,” “Linus and Lucy” and, of course, “O Tannenbaum.” For many, these songs are as synonymous with the holidays as eggnog and Christmas trees. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best instrumental versions of these timeless classics.
Linus and Lucy
Linus and Lucy is a piano composition written by Vince Guaraldi appearing in several episodes of the Peanuts television specials. In the original special, it accompanied a scene in which Linus and Lucy recite a Christmas poem together. In later productions, it was commonly played during scenes in which the characters are preparing for Christmas or liner notes state that it was intended to represent “the warmth and security of home life.” It has been covered by numerous artists and has been ranked as one of the best Christmas songs of all time.
The song consists of two main themes, with some additional material in between. The first theme, typically played by a solo piano or small group, is based on a blues progression and has become one of the most recognizable pieces of music from the Peanuts franchise. The second theme, introduced later in the piece, is based on a Latin American rhythms.
Guaraldi’s original arrangement was just over two minutes long and consisted of two takes spliced together. It was recorded in October 1965 with Guaraldi on piano, prolific session drummer Jerry Granelli on percussion, Fred Marshall on double bass, and Monty Budwig on drums. A shorter version (1:50) containing only the first theme was released as a single; it reached No. 69 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in December 1965.
O Tannenbaum
1. “O Tannenbaum”
2. “Linus and Lucy”
3. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
4. “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)”
5. “White Christmas”
6. “Frosty the Snowman”
7. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
8. “Up on the Housetop”
9. “Deck the Halls”
10. “Jingle Bells”
What Child is This
“What Child is This?” is a Christmas carol whose lyrics were written by English poet William Chatterton Dix in 1865. The melody was first published in 1871 as a piano piece by Richard Storrs Willis, under the title “Grandfather’s Clock”. It has been associated with the Christmas season since 1871 and is sung or played as a popular Christmas carol.
The lyrics of the carol ask rhetorical questions about the identity of the infant Jesus, and refer to him as being the inspired King who has come to render justice and peace. It ultimately declares him to be Christ the Lord, born that man no more may die, and calls on Christians to recognise him as such. The carol has been translated into many languages.
Skating
“Skating” is an instrumental composition by Vince Guaraldi appearing in several of the Peanuts animated television specials. Originally written for a scene in A Charlie Brown Christmas where the children are ice skating on a pond, it has been subsequently used in numerous other Peanuts specials. In the original special, it accompanies a scene where Linus tells Charlie Brown that he should not be so depressed during Christmas time and that “that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown”.
The piece has also been used in It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966), when Linus and Sally are out pumpkin-picking; You’re in Love, Charlie Brown (1967), when Snoopy imagines himself and Woodstock Ice dancing; A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973), during the dinner sequence; and It’s Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown (1984), where Snoopy imagines himself as an Olympic figure skater. The melodic line is also quoted briefly in the 1989 feature film Field of Dreams.
Christmas is Coming
As we all know, Christmas is coming. And with it comes all the joy, happiness, and music that we associate with the holiday season.
One of the most iconic and beloved Christmas songs is “Christmas Time is Here” from the classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas. The song is performed by the Vince Guaraldi Trio and has become synonymous with the holiday season.
If you’re looking for some great instrumental Christmas music to listen to this holiday season, look no further than “Christmas Time is Here”.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a Christmas carol that first appeared in 1739 in the collection Hymns and Sacred Poems. The original text was written by Charles Wesley and the current version of the lyrics was written by George Whitefield. The melody was composed by Felix Mendelssohn.
The carol is about the announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. It is a popular choice for Christmas concerts and services, and has been performed by numerous artists over the years.
The Christmas Song
One of the most popular and enduring Christmas songs of all time, “The Christmas Song” was written by Mel Torme and Bob Wells in 1944. It was first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946, and has been covered by many artists since then. The song is a mainstay of holiday radio stations and is often played at Christmas parties and gatherings.
Fur Elise
Fur Elise is a beautiful and haunting melody written by Ludwig van Beethoven. It has been used in a number of Christmas songs, including “Fur Elise” by The Piano Guys, “Fur Elise” by David Lanz, and “Fur Elise” by Yanni.
