It is the Christmas season again. The melody of Carol of the Bells keeps running through my head, bells are ringing and my piano is calling. I pulled out the Carol of the Bells sheet music and started playing.
Unlike many cheerful Christmas carols, this song gives me a picture of a cold dark winter’s night. However, when it comes to “Ding Dong Ding Dong,” it offers hope in the dark and the “Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas” verse brings joy to my heart. This is by far my favorite Christmas song.
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A Little History of the Carol of the Bells
The Carol of the Bells comes from Ukraine. It was a winter folk song Shchedryk written by composer Mykola Leontovych in 1916.
The Ukrainian National Chorus brought the carol to the U.S. one hundred years ago – when Ukrainians were fighting for freedom. They performed the Shchedryk during a concert at Carnegie Hall in October 1922.
The English name “Carol Of The Bells” was given more than a decade after that concert at Carnegie Hall. Since then, the Carol of the Bells has become a Christmas staple in the United States. In this centennial year, once again, Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom and independence. People are singing this little carol all around the world; it is especially meaningful and influential during the Christmas season of the year 2022 and year 2023.
Carol of the Bells Sheet Music
If you are seeking an easy piano piece for this Christmas season, you can download the Carol of the Bells sheet music free from michaelkravchuk.com. The site offers several versions of PDF sheet music at different skill levels. Pick the best level that meets your needs. Several version also has lyrics inline.
Easy Version
The Easy versions are perfect for beginners. They have single notes for either hand and the left hand mostly only has one note per measure. Below is one of the easy versions from michaelkravchuk.com.
The Intermediate versions introduce more intervals and octave variations; hence, they are more compelling. The site offers seven intermediate versions with various keys for you to choose from. Here is a sample, and you can download a version you like.
There are six Advanced versions available for you at michaelkravchuk.com. They include more intervals and chords, making the song richer and more expressive.
Enjoy learning and playing this Christmas Carol!
Carol of the Bells Lyrics
Hark, how the bells
Sweet silver bells
All seem to say
Throw cares away
Christmas is here
Bringing good cheer
To young and old
Meek and the bold
Ding-dong, ding-dong
That is the song
With joyful ring
All caroling
One seems to hear
Words of good cheer
From everywhere
Filling the air
Oh, how they pound
Raising their sound
O’er hill and dale
Telling their tale
Gaily they ring
While people sing songs of good cheer
Christmas is here
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas
On on they send
On without end
Their joyful tone
To every home
Ding-dong, ding-dong
Ding-dong, ding-dong
Conclusion
Carol of the Bells is a really fun and easy piano piece to learn! Please feel free to choose a version of the sheet music and enjoy the learning and playing. May your Christmas season be filled with joy, peace, and hope!
You may also enjoy easy piano duets.