I have a pretty broad collection of Christmas music that expands every year. One of the albums I’ve been listening to this year is John Denver’s Christmas in Concert (2001). And one of the highlights of the album is Denver’s rendition of “O Holy Night.”
The live album was recorded in Washington, D.C. in December 1996, so the Christmas spirit throughout is real, unlike Christmas albums recorded in July. Denver sticks to a holiday theme throughout the performance, with the exception of giving the audience a handful of Denver classics at the end. For listening purposes, it is refreshing that the non-holiday songs are at the end rather than mixed with the holiday songs.
The album’s holiday songs range from several classics like a fun version of “Jingle Bells” to the odd “Please Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas).” The latter’s awkward happy chorus, accompanied by a children’s choir, would unlikely make the cut today. And even in 1996, Denver introduces the song that had appeared on his 1975 album Rocky Mountain Christmas in a way that recognizes he was reassessing the song he recorded as a younger man (Denver did not write the song). Finally, unlike on many Christmas performances, Denver also embraces more religious-based classics like “Away in a Manger.”
On Christmas in Concert, Denver is backed on various songs by the World Children’s Choir and the National Symphony Orchestra. But it is often Denver’s voice that is the star, an that is most true on his performance of “O Holy Night.” When we think of Denver, I often overlook what a wonderful tenor voice came out of the man. And when he gets to the high notes of “O Holy Night,” it can make believers out of the most cynical.
Below is a 1996 performance of Denver playing “O Holy Night.” While it is not the same one from the album, this tribute clip appears to be from a Today Show appearance he mentions on the album.
“O Holy Night” comes from an 1843 poem by Placide Cappeau, set to music in 1847 by Adolphe Adam (with the English version is by John Sullivan Dwight). It remains one of the most religious of the Christmas classics, and one that carolers may avoid due to being more difficult to sing than other Christmas songs.
Denver on October 12, 1997, so the album captures Denver during his last Christmas, reminding us we can never know which will be our last. So, check out the John Denver Christmas in Concert album this holiday season, during a time when we all could use some faith in something or someone who knows our needs and is not a stranger to our weaknesses.
Or at least we can settle for a short respite. Wishing love, faith, hope, comfort, and good health to you and yours.
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