1. The Norwegian choral ensemble Cantus was formed in 1986 by a group of young women who wanted to take control of their own performances. The group, consisting of 30 amateur singers, is based in Tronheim and led by Tove Ramlo-Ystad, who joined as a singer and has become the group's director. Cantus typically performs arrangement of classical and contempary works, and has crossed over into jazz, folk, and pop music.
The group credits its participation in choral competitions with sharpening its focus and raising the quality of its performances.
Cantus has become an international sensation because of its inclusion on the soundtracks of both Disney films Frozen I and II, featuring the tracks Vuelie and Reindeer Circle, written by Frode Fjellheim and Christophe Beck.
2. Originally founded at St. Olaf College, Cantus is now a nine person male vocal ensemble based in Minneapolis. They sing a wide variety of vocal music, and have performed in some innovative theater pieces as well.
3. Cantus from Lithuania, making some mixture of Christian and Lithuanian folk music.
Alleluia
Cantus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whistle a carol of bread and jam and water!
Sound the trumpet for Christmas Eve!
Don’t let the dust settle on it, and we’ll rest awhile
I shut my eyes to this glare of darkness
Turn deaf ears to this hush of wooden creaks
Rapping stores, clattering chains
And dream instead of winking fairy lights
Ring out the bells and bring out the bait!
Whistle a carol of bread and jam and water!
Sound the trumpet for Christmas Eve!
Don’t let the dust settle on it, and we’ll rest awhile
I turn my back on this ache of stooping
Loosen my grasp in the face of this dirge of hewing heat
Rhythmic toil, grinding sweat
And dream instead of whooping bairns
And crisp, frosty air to breathe
Ring out the bells and gather yer tools!
Rap out a carol of dust and overheating!
Sound the trumpet for Christmas Eve!
The lyrics of Cantus's song "Alleluia" depict a contrast between the mundane, chaotic reality of everyday life and the yearning for a peaceful and joyful Christmas Eve. The opening lines "Ring out the bells and bring out the bait! Whistle a carol of bread and jam and water!" suggest a desire to escape the noise and distractions of the world and instead focus on simple pleasures. The invitation to "sound the trumpet for Christmas Eve" emphasizes the importance of this holiday, as a time for celebration and rest.
The next lines highlight the singer's refusal to be consumed by the darkness and monotony of their surroundings. They close their eyes to the "glare of darkness" and ignore the "hush of wooden creaks" and other sounds of everyday life. Instead, they choose to dream of "winking fairy lights" and "crisp, frosty footsteps," evoking a sense of wonder and beauty associated with the holiday season.
Similarly, the following verse describes the singer's rejection of physical exhaustion and laborious work. They turn their back on the "ache of stooping" and let go of the "dirge of hewing heat." Instead, they dream of the joyful laughter of children and the refreshing breath of crisp, frosty air.
Line by Line Meaning
Ring out the bells and bring out the bait!
Let the bells chime loudly and entice with alluring offerings!
Whistle a carol of bread and jam and water!
Sing a cheerful tune celebrating the simple pleasures of sustenance!
Sound the trumpet for Christmas Eve!
Announce with fanfare the arrival of the night before Christmas!
Don’t let the dust settle on it, and we’ll rest awhile
Avoid allowing monotony to settle in, and take a moment to pause and relax
I shut my eyes to this glare of darkness
I close my eyes to the overwhelming obscurity around me
Turn deaf ears to this hush of wooden creaks
Ignore the silence filled with eerie sounds of wood bending
Rapping stores, clattering chains
Shops bustling with activity, chains rattling in the background
And dream instead of winking fairy lights
Instead, envision enchanting twinkling lights like those of fairies
And crisp, frosty footsteps
And imagine the sound of footsteps crunching on icy ground
I turn my back on this ache of stooping
I disregard the pain of bending over and strain
Loosen my grasp in the face of this dirge of hewing heat
Release my grip amidst the oppressive heat of monotonous work
Rhythmic toil, grinding sweat
Monotonous labor filled with strenuous exertion
And dream instead of whooping bairns
And imagine the joyous shouts of children
And crisp, frosty air to breathe
And imagine inhaling refreshingly cool and icy air
Ring out the bells and gather yer tools!
Let the bells resound and collect all the necessary equipment!
Rap out a carol of dust and overheating!
Sing a lively song about dusty environments and excessive heat!
Sound the trumpet for Christmas Eve!
Proclaim with great enthusiasm the onset of Christmas Eve!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Cheryl Camm
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cynthia Farr Kinkel
Thank you so much for posting this. One of my favorites as well.