Song of the Birds: Catalan Christmas Carol

The Song of the Birds (El cant dels ocells) is a traditional Catalan Christmas carol. It was made famous by Pau (Pablo) Casals, who is considered one of the greatest cellists of all time. He was famous the world over and played for such notables as Queen Victoria, Theodore Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy. After Casals' self-exile from Spain in 1939, he would open each concert with the playing of The Song of the Birds. In time, this song became an important symbol of his native Catalonia. The Song of the Birds has multiple stanzas each in the “voice” of a different type of bird expressing joy in the birth of Jesus Christ. Robert Longfield expresses this beautiful Christmas carol in legato singing lines using 2-3 part writing at Level 2.5. In recognition and honor of Pau Casals, the opening melody of Robert Longfield's arrangement is played by the cello section.