2008-9 Sampler  Up a Level         

This Christmas song is from a collection of Medieval songs Piae Cantione. These tunes were preserved in a printed edition dated 1582 but the tune Personent Hodie is believed to date back to 1360. Popularly known as 'On This Day Earth Shall Ring', the carol tells of the birth of Christ with a verse recounting the visit of the Wise men. American Grade 1. Duration 2:09

Quem Pastores Laudavere first appeared in a manuscript dated 1410 which was found at Hohenfurth Abbey in Germany. The melody and additional verses were published in many 16th century German song books (also with the title Wachet Auf) and remains a Christmas favourite to this day. American Grade 1. Duration 2:09

Franz Joseph Haydn, a prolific composer, wrote over 100 symphonies. Many of these symphonies had nicknames, including 'The Drum Roll', The Military', and this, No.94, 'The Surprise'. History tells us that Haydn, wearied of audiences losing attention at his concerts, wrote in a 'surpirse', in the second, tranquil, movement with a sudden loud chord. No doubt Haydn held the audience's attention through the rest of the performance! American Grade 1 Duration 0:44