Christmas Carols Vol III by O Koshetz Choir: A Folk-Infused Yuletide Journey That Feels Like Borscht for the Soul
Alright, buckle up, folks. We’re diving into Christmas Carols Vol III by the O Koshetz Choir—a gem from 1990 that’s as Canadian as maple syrup and hockey sticks. This album is a delightful mishmash of folk, world, and country vibes, with enough spiritual oomph to make your Aunt Mildred weep into her eggnog. Produced by the choir itself (props for self-reliance!) and recorded by Steven Harder, this record feels like it was born out of a cozy Ukrainian kitchen party where everyone decided, “Hey, let’s sing about Jesus instead of arguing over pierogis.”
Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t your run-of-the-mill Christmas carol collection full of jingle bells and reindeer prancing around. Nope. This is deep, soulful stuff—like someone took all the mysticism of ancient hymns and sprinkled it with a dash of Eastern European grit. And guess what? It works.
Standout Tracks: The Ones That Stick Like Glue
Out of the whopping sixteen tracks here, two really stuck in my brain like gum on a winter boot.
1. “Ой Дивнеє Народженя” (O Wondrous Birth)
Whoa, hold onto your Santa hats, because this track hits different. It starts off slow and solemn, almost like you’re tiptoeing through a snow-covered village at midnight. Then BAM—it blossoms into this rich, harmonious explosion that makes you wanna grab the nearest person and waltz them across the room. The vocals are tight, the melody is hauntingly beautiful, and if you don’t feel chills down your spine during the chorus, check your pulse—you might be an elf. What I love most is how unapologetically raw it feels; no Auto-Tune nonsense here. Just pure human voices doing their thing. If angels had Spotify playlists, this would definitely be on repeat.
2. “Летіла Стріла” (The Flight Of The Arrow)
Okay, so imagine this: you’re sitting by the fire, sipping hot cocoa, when suddenly this song comes on. It’s got this lilting rhythm that sounds like… well, an arrow soaring through the air. The lyrics talk about speed and urgency, but musically, it’s more like floating than flying. There’s something hypnotic about the way the voices intertwine, creating layers upon layers of sound. By the end, you’ll find yourself staring blankly at the wall, wondering if arrows can actually sing. Spoiler alert: they totally can.
Behind the Curtain: Credit Where It’s Due
Props go to Ірка Чучман for accompanying the choir—her touch adds just the right amount of sparkle without stealing the spotlight. And let’s not forget Conductor Володимир Климків, who probably waved his baton around like some kind of musical wizard. Hats off to him for keeping everyone in sync while navigating these intricate arrangements.
Final Thoughts: Unexpected Twists Ahead
So, yeah, Christmas Carols Vol III isn’t perfect. Some tracks drag a bit longer than Grandma’s holiday stories, and there’s a moment or two where you wonder if they forgot to invite the drums to the party. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. This album is less about polish and more about heart. It’s like opening a dusty old book and finding wisdom inside—even if the pages smell kinda funny.
Here’s the kicker: listening to this album made me realize something profound. Christmas music doesn’t have to be shiny and commercialized to resonate. Sometimes, the best gifts come wrapped in humble packaging. Or, in this case, not even wrapped at all—because apparently, it wasn’t released under any label. How punk rock is that?
In conclusion, whether you’re a fan of traditional carols or just looking for something fresh yet timeless, give this album a spin. Just don’t blame me if you start craving perogies afterward.
Ой, В Єрусалимі Рано Задзвонили = The Bells Of Jerusalem
Пречистая Діва = Jesus, Born Of Mary
Ликуючи, Возиграймо Днесь = Let Us Rejoice Today
Ой, Сів Христос Вечеряти = Jesus Sat At Supper
О, Предвічний Боже = O, Eternal God
Василько = Vasyl'ko
Ой Дивнеє Народженя = O Wondrous Birth
Народився Нам Спаситель = Our Saviour Was Born
Царю Небесний = Heavenly King
А Вскликнули Янголи = The Angels Proclaimed
Images
Catalog Numbers
UKR.
Labels
Not On Label
Listen online
écouter en ligne
online luisteren
online anhören
kuunnella verkossa
lytte på nettet
ouvir online
lyssna på nätet
escuchar en línea
ascolta in linea
Formats
Cassette
Album
Companies
Role
Company
Manufactured By
Magnitape Supplies Inc.
Credits
Role
Credit
Accompanied By
Ірка Чучман
Conductor
Володимир Климків
Producer
O. Koshetz Choir
Recorded By
Steven Harder
Notes
Made and printed in Canada, December 1990
Recorded on Chromdioxide tape (not mentioned)
About O Koshetz Choir
Choral group based in Winnipeg, Canada. The choir is named in 's memory, and specializes in recording his body of work, and other - mostly religious - choral works by Ukrainian composers.
Name Vars
Canada's O. Koshetz Choir
Koshetz Choir
Koshetz Chorus
O. Koshetz Choir
O. Koshetz Choir, Winnipeg, Manitoba
O. Koshetz Memorial Choir
Olexander Koshetz Choir
The Olexander Koshetz Choir
Ukrainian National Chorus
Хор Im. О. Кошиця - The Olexander Koshetz Choir
Хоръ А. А. Кошицъ
Members
Олександр Кошиць
Interesting fact about Album
Did you know? The album *Christmas Carols Vol III* by the O Koshetz Choir is a hidden gem from 1990. It blends traditional Ukrainian carols with rich folk harmonies, conducted by Володимир Климків and accompanied by Ірка Чучман. One standout track, *"Ой Леліє В Віфлеємі"* ("Jesus Was Born In Bethlehem"), feels like stepping into a cozy village church on a snowy night. Recorded in Canada, it’s a heartfelt celebration of faith and culture that still resonates today.
