On Christmas Eve

I. Nedilsky

Mar 19

Written By andrew waller

Translated Text

Score Ukrainian

Score Transliterated

Vesnivka Catalog Number 0044

On Christmas Eve | На свят вечір | Na svjat vechir

Composer: I. Nedilsky | І. Недільський

Ukrainian Christmas traditions reflect the achievements of an ancient culture, impressive in the musical and contextual diversity of its songs. There are two distinct groups of Ukrainian Christmas music. Koljadky (Ukrainian Christmas Carols) are sung in church alongside traditional liturgical texts and hymns from Christmas Eve (January 6, according to the Julian Calendar) to Epiphany (January 19). Shchedrivky (New Year’s songs), being much older than they stem from pagan roots, are rarely sung in a liturgical setting, given their secular themes of bounty and prosperity. These delightful and festive new-year folk songs of felicitation, with their charming and rhythmic melodies, reflect sectarian life and express wishes for health, happiness and bountiful harvests.

Koljadky and shchedrivky are an important part of Vesnivka's repertoire and have been sung annually since the ensemble was established in 1965.