David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Ten: ” I’ll Be Home For Christmas” And “Silent Night””

December 7, 2012 by Masterclass Lady 10 Comments


Pamela Pike’s Recollection Of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is a Christmas song recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby who scored a top ten hit with the song. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” has since gone onto become a Christmas standard. The song was written by lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent.

The song is sung from the point of view of an overseas soldier during WWII, writing a letter to his family. In the message, he tells the family that he will be coming home, and to prepare the holiday for him including requests for “snow”, “mistletoe”, and “presents under the tree”. The song ends on a melancholy note, with the soldier saying “I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.”

In December of 1948, Bob Hope and other performers traveled to Berlin, Germany, to entertain members of the armed forces participating in the Berlin Airlift. This was his first Christmas tour to entertain troops and the beginning of a Hope tradition that lasted until1990.

The song touched the hearts of Americans both soldiers and civilians, who were in the midst of World War II. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” became the most requested song at Christmas U.S.O. shows.

David Archuleta’s “Christmas From the Heart” album was released on October 13, 2009 and his vocal virtuosity gave this album a timeless appeal to his fans and lovers of the traditional Christmas music. His gorgeous tone, silky timbre and stunning voice were suited to “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and with his slightly jazzy treatment added heartfelt appeal.

David has a way of squeezing every drop of emotion out of a lyric. David’s style imparts each song a particular touch, highly inspired, emotionally crafted, and technically perfect
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It’s amazing the images of family life and times gone by that this song brings to the table. I have extremely fond memories of this song. I can’t think of a better paring than David’s golden voice and the lyrics to I’ll Be Home for Christmas. He sings this song effortlessly.

David’s mellow version will have you calling your mother or grandmother. His vocals are so sweet and nonchalant as they tug at your holiday heart strings whether he’s swelling the big notes or almost speaking a soft word or two, David knows how to get to you.

Christmas music is an important part of the whole holiday season. The music and sounds of Christmas come from all styles and genres, providing something for every musical taste. Some carols are very religious, bringing the reason for the season front and center. Others are totally about the holiday season and cheer, focusing on the fun of Christmas. A few are even melancholy, focusing on missing loved ones at Christmas.

This song is just as poignant today as it was over 65 years ago as it reminds us many loved ones are still separated from their families for various reasons. I will remember them all this holiday season with love and wish them peace, safety and pray they will be home soon

And for David Archuleta, my special heartfelt holiday wishes and Thanks for all your gifts, hard work and sacrifices you bless us with every day. Love closes the distance between hearts. We are never far away.

Rosanne Simunovic’s Recollection Of “Silent Night”

Silent Night is a classic Christmas carol of German heritage. It was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber. The original German title is “Stille Nacht”.

This endearing Christmas carol has been performed by artists of every genre and classical artists, in particular, often perform this song in both German and English, as well as other languages.

It is a timeless carol that continues to live on in the hearts and minds of Christians everywhere – a true Christmas tradition.

Back in December 11th, 2011, I treated myself to David’s exquisite version of this Christmas song. Here are some of my thoughts:

“This video of David Archuleta performing Silent Night with the Mormon
Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra has to be the most compelling, passionate and inspiring performance of this song classic I have ever had the pleasure to see and hear.

Recorded live last Christmas and set to air on PBS on Tuesday, December 13th from 8:00-9:00 P.M., David’s arrangement of this beautiful carol is nothing short of exceptional.

His phrasing, inflection, his lyrical, seamless vocal quality and expressive interpretation, are absolutely sublime. His face is radiant throughout this song and genuinely expresses the meaning of the lyrics in every verse.

Watch how his demeanor changes for each verse. It is very evident in the third verse, where his facial expression and body language mirrors the text so very well. He wears his joy and happiness on his sleeve. It really is remarkable.”

I have since watched this performance many times and, of course, during the preparation of this article. I am moved each time, without fail. David lives and breathes every word, every phrase.

No one communicates this song better than David at this point in time. It is just a beautifully moving experience that is transcendent and intangible.

I would like to express a very Merry Christmas to David and his family, friends and fans. Thank you David for bringing the joy, passion, laughter and stellar artistic sensibility to your music, then sharing it with us in such a meaningful way.

May the blessings and joy of the Christmas season carry you through life’s challenges and inspire you to achieve all your goals.

20120711-141757.jpg Christmas from the Heart – David Archuleta

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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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10 Responses to “David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Ten: ” I’ll Be Home For Christmas” And “Silent Night”””

  1. Heidijoy (@Heidijoy5) December 7, 2012 at 11:53 am

    Love the Series and songs!! Thanks Pamela and Masterclasslady 🙂 I’ll Be Home For Christmas is especially meaningful this year with David away for Christmas but able to sing for others. Silent Night disappeared from site but is so beautiful and I was fortunate to be there when David sang this with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Christmas From the Heart and Glad Christmas Tidings are both available on Amazon. Highly recommend Glad Christmas Tidings on DVD(blue ray)

    Like

  2. joelhss December 7, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    He is pretty amazing. I watch some of the other singers singing Christmas songs and many do a fine job, but to me it is like they are singing the words but not feeling what the words are trying to tell us. David puts his special spin on all songs, and it is very evident that he didn’t just learn the words, but gave special thought to the meaning of each word. I love the way each words leads into the next with such a beautiful flow. Thanks for this beautiful blog.

    Like

  3. Sharon December 7, 2012 at 8:51 pm

    Thank you so much Pam and Masterclass Lady for reviewing these beautiful songs for us. I have listened to these songs for more years than I care to admit, but I can honestly say that I have never felt the powerful lyrics and meaning until I listened to David sing these songs. . David brings understanding and feeling to all of his songs. Listening to David’s CFTH today while driving made me start crying. His ability to sing words with such genuine sincerity and then transfer that emotion to his audience is a talent so rare. In all the years I have listened to Christmas Music….there is no one who can tell a story through song better than David. He puts his beautiful heart into each note.!!!

    I am really missing David this Christmas, but feel blessed that he is sharing his gift with so many new listeners. He is a blessing! I hope and pray that his holiday will be filled with much joy and that he will keep a song in his heart always.!!!

    Thank you Pam and Masterclass Lady for putting into words so beautifully what all of his fans feel about his heart and his music. I always love reading your reflections! 🙂

    Like

  4. Kirsten December 10, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    Thanks MCL and Pam Pike for another great article! David is one of a kind. I wanted to share some videos of David performing at a recent Christmas devotional concert in Santiago, Chile (he’s in Chile as an LDS missionary for two years).

    Noche de Luz (Silent Night)

    Noche Sagrada (O Holy Night)

    Los Pastores a Belen

    The Prayer (with Rebecca Lopez)

    Please review these! They’re HEAVENLY!!! I have no words. Blessed holidays to everyone!

    Like

  5. Kirsten December 10, 2012 at 12:31 pm

    Continuation of my above comment. I just found a full version of David’s Noche Sagrada (O Holy Night).

    Like

  6. Dalan December 10, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    A note of thanks to MasterclassLady and Pam for your monthly reviews. I seldom post a comment as it seems there is little left to be said after reading them. I do however want to recognize the effort by you both to keep David Archuleta up front and present in the music world and let you know that I sincerely appreciate your hard work.. I know David is worth it, and anything his fans can read about him helps us to deal with the sense of loss we feel with him being gone for so long. I am not complaining as I am happy he is doing what he felt called to do!

    I for one think that David’s version of Silent Night is his greatest work to date, and that Christmas from the heart is his greatest CD to date. Thanks again, and thank you for letting Kirsten post the videos of David from Chile. They are very comforting to me during a difficult period in my life. The Prayer (in Italian no less) is a very special treat..

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  7. Masterclass Lady December 10, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    Thank you ever so much to all the David Archuleta fans for their kind words. This young man never fails to inspire me with his vocal talent and genuine, loving persona.

    What a privilege it has been for me and for Pamela to share all the wonderful musical memories David has given us over the last few years. And to celebrate what to come!!

    Thank you for the links to his recent performances in Chile. I can’t wait to watch and share. I am so happy that he is still performing – the best news of all.

    Like

  8. pikepss@yahoo.com December 10, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    Thank you to everyone for all your kind and supportive comments. It is our great joy to keep his talents front and center.

    Like

  9. pouncer84 December 18, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    HQ vid of David & Rebecca – “The Prayer” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9-LwnRj3D0

    Like

  10. pouncer84 December 18, 2012 at 4:58 pm

    The Silent Night vid doesn’t work. Good for us, Motab uploaded a bunch of vids.

    Joy to the World – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4CSJvzGai4
    Gesu Bambino – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCvJWyBPDQM
    Angels From the Realms of Glory – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UArceTs1-G8
    The Cat and the Mouse Carol – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_yve-VvaMk
    Silent Night – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNep23JerIk

    Like

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