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The carol, or koleda in Polish (from the Latin "calendae"), is a song thematically connected with Christmas, and is sung in Poland from December 24th to February 2, that is, to the feast of the Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas. It comes from the sphere of folk culture and the tradition of singing at home. In the folk repertiore carols hold a special place, not only in view of their specific character and variety, but also for their sheer number. For centuries, they were composed in monastaries, in royal courts, knights' castles, and the courts of the nobility. Their authors were members of the Polish clergy, church organists, parish school-teachers, and on occasion our distinguished writers and poets. The musical canvas of the Polish carol is formed above all by the melodies and rhythms of dances such as mazurkas, krakowiaks, obereks, kujawiaks, polonaises, and sentimental dumkas or elegies. Many Christmas carols likewise possess a touch of majestic choruses and hymns, whose melody line and deep theoological content testify to their origins in Latin Gregorian chant. (From the introduction by Wanda Gladysz to "The Pastoral Mass")
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Polish Art Center
