More recently, its principal conductors have included Pierre Monteux (1961–64), Istvan Kertesz (1965–68), André Previn (1968–79) and Claudio Abbado (1979–88). From 1988-1995, the American Michael Tilson-Thomas took over, and in 1995, became principal guest conductor. Sir Colin Davis served as the LSO's Principal Conductor from 1995-2006, and in 2007 took the post of President of the orchestra. On 1 January 2007, Valery Gergiev became the LSO's Principal Conductor. Previn holds the title of Conductor Laureate. In 2006, Daniel Harding became the co-principal guest conductor alongside Tilson Thomas. Richard Hickox is the Associate Guest Conductor of the LSO.
The LSO became the first British orchestra to play overseas when it went to Paris in 1906. The LSO was due to sail on the RMS Titanic for a concert in New York in April 1912 but fortunately had to change the booking at the last minute. It was also the first to play in the United States, in 1912, and in 1973 it was the first to be invited to take part in the Salzburg Festival. It continues to make tours around the world.
In 1966 the London Symphony Chorus (LSC) was formed to complement the work of the LSO. with more that two hundred amateur singers, the LSC maintains a close association with the LSO; however it has developed an independent life, which allows it to partner other leading orchestras.
The LSO has long been considered the most extraverted of the London orchestras. For most of its life it refused to allow women to become members, ostensibly on the grounds that women would affect the sound of the orchestra (there has been a similar controversy at the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra). There is an air of youthful high spirits to much of its music-making that is shown off in performances of such composers as Berlioz and Prokofiev. The LSO has often had internationally-known players as wind soloists, including such artists as James Galway (flute), Gervase de Peyer (clarinet), Roger Lord (oboe), Osian Ellis (harp), John Georgiadis (violin) and Barry Tuckwell (horn). Like most ensembles, the orchestra has a great ability to vary its sound, producing very different tone colours under such diverse conductors as Stokowski (with whom it made a series of memorable recordings), Adrian Boult, Jascha Horenstein, Georg Solti, André Previn, George Szell, Claudio Abbado, Leonard Bernstein, John Barbirolli, and Karl Böhm, who developed a close relationship with the orchestra late in his life. Böhm and Bernstein each held the title of LSO President in their later years.
Clive Gillinson, a former cellist with the orchestra, served as the LSO's Managing Director from 1984 to 2005, and is widely credited with bringing great stability to the LSO's organization after severe fiscal troubles.[1] Since 2005, Kathryn McDowell is the Managing Director of the LSO.[2]
Deck The Halls
London Symphony Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.
Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.
See the blazing Yule before us.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Follow me in merry measure.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
While I tell of Yule-tide treasure.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fast away the old year passes.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Hail the new year, lads and lasses
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Sing we joyous, all together.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Heedless of the wind and weather.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
The song "Deck the Halls" is a classic Christmas carol that invites listeners to get into the festive spirit and decorate their homes with holly, as they sing along to its catchy tune. The first stanza immediately sets the tone for the song, and the repeated phrase "fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la" adds to the fun and upbeat feel of the song. The theme of joy and merriment is evident throughout the song, especially in the line "don we now our gay apparel," which encourages people to dress up in their finest festive clothing.
The second stanza of the song shifts the focus to the Yuletide season, and how it is a time to honor ancient traditions and customs. The line "troll the ancient Yuletide carol" suggests that people should sing traditional carols and songs to celebrate the season. The third stanza highlights the importance of music in the holiday season, as the singer encourages the listener to "strike the harp and join the chorus." The stanza ends with a call to "follow me in merry measure" as the singer shares stories and memories of Yuletide treasures.
The final stanza is a fitting end to the song, as it encourages people to welcome the new year with joy and togetherness. The line "heedless of the wind and weather" suggests that people should not let external circumstances dampen their spirits, and truly enjoy the festivities of the season.
Line by Line Meaning
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Let’s decorate the rooms with a lot of holly branches
‘Tis the season to be jolly
Now is the moment to feel happy and joyful
Don we now our gay apparel
Let's put on our festive and colorful clothes
Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol
Let’s sing along with the traditional songs of Yuletide
See the blazing Yule before us
Observe the bright and festive Christmas time in front of us
Strike the harp and join the chorus
Play the harp and join the singing group
Follow me in merry measure
Join me and dance happily and rhythmically
While I tell of Yule-tide treasure
The story I’m telling is about the Christmas gifts and the seasonal treasures
Fast away the old year passes
The previous year is quickly coming to an end
Hail the new year, lads and lasses
Celebrating the arrival of the upcoming year with happiness and excitement
Sing we joyous, all together
Let’s sing together and share the joy of the season
Heedless of the wind and weather
Without worrying about the harsh conditions outside, let’s be lighthearted and stay focused on the celebrations
Lyrics © Phonographic Digital Limited (PDL), BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind