Percy Faith & His Orchestra album “Christmas Is… Percy Faith” is a classic holiday album that has been a festive favorite for generations. Released in 1958, the album features traditional carols and Christmas songs performed in Faith’s signature lush and romantic style.
Who is Percy Faith?
Percy Faith was a hugely successful composer and conductor active in the mid-20th century. He was born in Toronto, Canada in 1908 and developed a love for music from an early age, taking piano lessons from the age of five. Faith, who had no formal music training, was known for his arrangements of popular songs and his unique style of orchestration. He was most famous for his adaptations of popular Christmas carols and his album “Christmas Is… Percy Faith” is one of the most beloved Christmas albums of all time.
His arrangements of popular Christmas carols and songs are among the most recognizable versions of the songs and have been featured in countless holiday films, television shows, and commercials. Faith’s music has been covered by many artists, including Barbra Streisand, Nat King Cole, and Bing Crosby. Faith’s music has been described as “romantic, melodic, and lushly orchestrated” and he was an essential figure in popular music in the 20th century.
Musical Style of Percy Faith
Percy Faith & His Orchestra was a unique musical group of the 1950s and 60s, whose sound was heavily influenced by the harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic style of its leader, Percy Faith. Faith was a Canadian-born composer, conductor, and arranger who developed a distinctively lush, full-bodied sound, known as “The Faith Sound”. His musical style was characterized by its use of large-scale orchestrations and lush string arrangements, paired with a light, joyful, and often whimsical feel.
With The Faith Sound, Percy Faith created a unique, expansive, and timeless soundscape that was perfect for the Christmas season. His album “Christmas Is… Percy Faith” is a classic example of his sound, featuring lush arrangements of traditional Christmas carols and seasonal favorites, such as “O Holy Night” and “White Christmas”. As with all of his albums, the music of Christmas Is… Percy Faith is immaculately produced and arranged, with a warmth and fullness that is often missing in modern Christmas music. The album is an essential part of any holiday playlist, and a true example of Percy Faith’s masterful musical style.
Percy Faith and his Orchestra
Percy Faith and his Orchestra have been delivering timeless Christmas classics since the 1950s. The orchestra was founded by Percy Faith, a Canadian-born composer and arranger who first made his mark with his hit single “Delicado” in 1952. His style was unique, combining elements of jazz, classical, and popular music to create a signature sound. He was also a pioneer in the use of electronic instruments and sound effects. The music of Percy Faith was featured in films such as “It’s a Wonderful Life” and
“White Christmas,” and his arrangements were so popular that he was asked to record a special Christmas album in 1959. “Christmas Is… Percy Faith” was released to great acclaim and has remained a holiday favorite for generations. The album includes such classics as “Joy to the World,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and “White Christmas.” Faith’s arrangements of these and other beloved carols are both inventive and beautiful, and have become a beloved part of the Christmas season.
Christmas Is…Percy Faith
Christmas Is…Percy Faith. Percy Faith was a Canadian orchestra leader, composer and arranger, best known for his lush, romantic orchestrations of popular Christmas music. His career spanned from the 1940s to the 1970s, during which time he had a string of chart-topping hits, many of which were holiday-themed. His signature style of arranging Christmas music is still a popular staple in holiday playlists today.
Faith’s arrangements of classic Christmas tunes like “The Christmas Song” and “O Holy Night” are among the most iconic versions of these songs. His lush and romantic sound was rooted in lush strings, soaring horns, and a solid rhythm section that all blended together to create a sound that was both timeless and modern. Faith’s arrangements featured a heavy emphasis on strings, with the full orchestra playing in a call-and-response style. This style of arranging was a major contribution to the sound of popular Christmas music that still endures today.
Faith’s work was also heavily influenced by jazz, as he was an accomplished jazz musician and arranger himself. His unique sound featured a blend of traditional Christmas elements with jazz-inspired improvisation and rhythmic complexity. His jazzy approach to Christmas music was a major influence on subsequent arrangers and composers who would continue to develop the genre of Christmas music.
The music of Percy Faith is an essential part of any Christmas playlist. His romantic and lush arrangements of Christmas music are still popular today. His distinctive style of arranging still influences the way Christmas music is written and arranged today. His work is a major part of Christmas music history and will continue to be a major part of Christmas music for years to come.
How Percy Faith Changed Christmas Music
Percy Faith & His Orchestra changed the face of Christmas music forever. His iconic rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy” has become a staple of holiday music, and his album “Christmas Is… Percy Faith” was a major influence on the genre. The album was released in 1959 and featured lush arrangements of traditional carols, as well as some lesser-known pieces. Faith’s unique approach to the music was evident in his use of strings, woodwinds, and percussion to create a bright, festive sound.
He incorporated Latin rhythms, jazz flourishes, and classical elements to give the music a modern feel. His arrangements often featured unusual instrumentation, including harpsichord, mandolin, and recorders, creating an otherworldly sound. Faith’s influence on Christmas music was tremendous, and his arrangements have been covered by artists such as Elvis Presley and the Carpenters. His music has become a holiday staple, and it continues to be enjoyed by generations of listeners.
Conclusion
Percy Faith & His Orchestra album “Christmas Is… Percy Faith” is a timeless and beloved collection of holiday music. With its sophisticated arrangements, lush orchestrations, and timeless melodies and lyrics, this album transports listeners back to the golden age of festive music and captures the joy, nostalgia, and warmth of the season. From the iconic “The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” to the awe-inspiring “Silent Night,” this album is a must-have for any holiday music lover. Percy Faith & His Orchestra’s “Christmas Is… Percy Faith” is the perfect holiday companion and a wonderful way to bring a little bit of festive cheer to any holiday gathering.