The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
O Tannenbaum
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
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Wie grün sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein auch im Winter wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie grün sind deine Blätter!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren:
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit
Gibt Trost und Kraft zu jeder Zeit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren.
The song "O Tannenbaum" is a German Christmas carol that has been popularized all over the world. The song translates to “Oh Christmas Tree” and it's a song about the qualities of a fir tree, which is a popular Christmas tree species. The song focuses on how the tree's leaves remain green all year round and the happiness it brings during Christmas time.
The first verse of the song talks about how the tree remains green all year round, even during the winter months when there's snow on the ground. The second verse talks about how the tree brings joy to people during the Christmas season. The third verse talks about how the tree's green leaves serve as an inspiration for hope and consistency.
This song has become a Christmas classic and is often played during the holiday season. It's a beloved carol in many countries including Germany, the United States, and France.
Line by Line Meaning
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree,
Wie grün sind deine Blätter!
How green are your leaves!
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
You're not just green in summertime,
Nein auch im Winter wenn es schneit.
But also in winter when it snows.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree,
Wie grün sind deine Blätter!
How green are your leaves!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
You can please me very much!
Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit
How often, at Christmas time,
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
A tree like you has delighted me!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
You can please me very much!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren:
Your dress teaches me something:
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit
Hope and perseverance
Gibt Trost und Kraft zu jeder Zeit.
Provide comfort and strength at all times.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren.
Your dress teaches me something.
Writer(s): LONGHURST JOHN T
Contributed by Violet L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.