… Read Full Bio ↴There are two orchestras named The National Philharmonic Orchestra.
(1) The National Philharmonic Orchestra is a British orchestra created exclusively for recording purposes. It was founded by RCA producer Charles Gerhardt and orchestra leader Sidney Sax due in part to the requirements of the Reader's Digest recording project.
Before settling on this name, the orchestra began operation in 1964 using a variety of names including RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra and the London Promenade (the latter consisting largely of London Philharmonic Orchestra personnel). It was incorporated as the National Philharmonic Orchestra in 1970. Musicians from London’s huge talent pool were contracted by Gerhardt and Sax. The orchestra ceased to be an exclusive RCA recording organization at the same time that Gerhardt replaced Sax as the concertmaster. Decca Records began using the orchestra in March 1974. This was for a Phase 4 Stereo recording of the Yellow River Piano Concerto conducted by Elgar Howarth. Columbia Records began using the orchestra in 1975.
Such conductors as Leopold Stokowski, Richard Bonynge, and Charles Gerhardt made recordings with it. Bonynge recorded all three of Tchaikovsky's ballets with it for Decca, and Gerhardt made a series of stereo recordings of Hollywood film music with it for RCA Victor. The orchestra has been featured on the soundtrack of many films, and, with Kenneth Schermerhorn conducting, it was also heard on the soundtrack of Baryshnikov's production The Nutcracker, a staging of Tchaikovsky's ballet which became a television classic, after being presented live onstage. The orchestra also provided the music for the stage production.
(2) The National Philharmonic Orchestra, based in Washington, D.C., was founded and conducted by Piotr Gajewski, and is currently in residence at the Music Center at Strathmore (Maryland). It was formerly known as the National Chamber Orchestra.
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
National Philharmonic Orchestra Lyrics
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Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
The song "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a classic Christmas carol that speaks to the quiet and humble birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. The song paints a vivid image of the town's stillness as the stars shine above, yet there is a glimmer of hope in the darkness. The everlasting light shines in the dark streets of Bethlehem, representing the birth of Jesus and the hopes and fears of all the years that are met in Him that night.
The second verse speaks of how the angels, while mortals slept, kept watch over the birth of Christ. The morning stars join together to proclaim this holy event, and praises are sung to God the King for bringing peace to all mankind. The final verse repeats the first, emphasizing the stillness and peacefulness of Bethlehem, where the hopes and fears of all the years have come together on this special night.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The town of Bethlehem appears peaceful and calm as we glance upon it
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
In the quiet of the night, the stars quietly move above Bethlehem
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness of the streets, a light shines on that never fades away
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the fears and hopes of generations past come together on this very night in Bethlehem
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Mary gives birth to Jesus, and all the angels gather above to celebrate this momentous occasion
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As people slumber, the angels watch in awe and wonder over the birth of Jesus
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The stars in the sky joyfully announce the holy birth of Jesus
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
They sing praises to God, the king, and wish for peace among all people on earth
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The town of Bethlehem remains peaceful and still as we continue to look upon it
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars continue to move silently above Bethlehem in the deep stillness of night
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness of the streets, the light that never fades continues to shine brightly
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All the hopes and fears of generations past come together in Bethlehem on this special night
Writer(s): Chris Eaton, Trad
Contributed by Leo E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.