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Christmas Countdown

25 Days of Christmas 2008 - Day 4

By , About.com Guide

It's December 4th and today we learn quick facts about another favorite carol, meet an English composer who helped establish the Aldeburgh Festival and more gift ideas for your Christmas shopping list.

Carol of the Day
"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" - Another well-loved Christmas carol is "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear." With its enchanting words and music, this song has been a favorite of carolers as well as listeners.

Composer of the Day
Heinrich Schütz was a German composer of the 17th century whose works influenced other composers after him, including Johann Sebastian Bach. His works include Italian madrigals, an opera, vocal and instumental pieces.

Today in Music History
On this day in 1976, composer Benjamin Britten died in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, England. Britten was a conductor, pianist and a major English composer of the 20th century who was instrumental in establishing the Aldeburgh Festival in England. The original venue of the said festival was at Aldeburgh's Jubilee Hall. Eventually, the venue was moved to a building that once was a malthouse at Snape, but through the efforts of Britten, was renovated into a concert hall. Among his major works are "Peter Grimes," "Death in Venice" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Suggested Stocking Stuffer
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes - Compare Prices - Now, babies can have their own mp3 player at home or on the go. This music player features 7 classical tunes written by master composers, an easy-grip handle for little hands and colorful play buttons. Different colored lights flash across the screen as the music plays and it also has a volume switch. Affordable and educational, what more can you ask for?

Inside the Music Education Blogosphere
Janice Tuck at The Music Teacher's Blog has some great music-themed Christmas gift ideas on her site.

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