While most Christmas songs are all holly and jolly, the true beauty of a Christmas song lies in its reverence for Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
After all, what could be more beautiful than celebrating the one who brought us freedom from the law of death and sin?
So, it only makes sense that the holiest of Christmas songs are sung by those created in God’s image.
That’s why Christmas songs in their most powerful form are sung a capella.
Brigham Young University’s female acapella group Noteworthy did true justice to Christmas in their rendition of “O Holy Night.”
The Utah University ensemble is made up of nine ladies who belt out pop, rock, jazz, hip-hop, and spiritual tunes.
Their impressive sounds earned them the title of champion of the 2007 Championship of Collegiate A Cappella.
That made them the second all-female group in 35 years to win the competition.
The group was featured on NBC’s “The Sing-Off” and has more than 167 million views on YouTube.
They have also recorded seven albums. But they hope to inspire people with more than just the beauty of the human voice.
Brigham Young University’s website reads:
“Above all, Noteworthy strives to empower women & young people to discover their own unique identities and divine nature through the power of vocal music.”
Their latest music video is sure to do all that.
Their video for their rendition of “O Holy Night” is by Noteworthy’s 2022-23 ensemble featuring Whitney Anderson, Grace Christensen, Rosie Durland, Mikayla Hunter, Grace Ibarra, Kylie Linton, Rebecca Livingston, Kate Miller, Claire Quigley.
The video’s artistic director is Amy Geis.
“O Holy Night” was originally titled “Cantique de Noël.”
The song originated from an 1843 French poem by Placide Cappeau.
Composer Adolphe Adam set the poem to music in 1847, and it was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight.
Dwight was an abolitionist, and his song was admired by himself and other abolitionists as an ode to freedom.
Dwight wanted his version to focus on Christ’s triumph over sin and the humanity that ties us all together.
So, he revised the third verse and gave it his own touch.
The line reads:
“Truly, he taught us to love one another; his law is love, and his gospel is peace.
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother; and in his name, all oppression shall cease.”
The song is said to be difficult to sing for amateurs. But Noteworthy are no amateurs.
Their version is so good that it has been viewed more than half a million times.
One commenter wrote:
“Wow… One of my favorite Christmas songs, and this was amazing. There were parts of it that took me on a bit of a ride.
Chords I wasn’t expecting, incredible high notes, even a change in lyrics at one point–and every bit of it was beautiful! Thank you Noteworthy!”
“Fun fact: you don’t need to wait for Christmas to play this song. This. Is. Beautiful,” said another.
Check out the video of Noteworthy singing “O Holy Night” below!
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