Snippets of Carols Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Little Drummer Boy

The song, originally titled "Carol of the Drum", was written in 1941 by an American composer, Katherine K. Davis, reportedly based on a traditional Czech song. The von Trapp family recorded it in 1951 and again in 1955, bringing it to the attention of the public. "The Little Drummer Boy" has since been re-recorded many times by numerous artists.

Answer: The First Noel

There is a variety of opinions about the origin of this song, which, in six stanzas, chronicles the birth of Christ. It has been recorded many, many times and is one of the best-known Christmas songs.

Answer: Silent Night

"Silent Night" was created and performed for the first time in 1818. Two Austrians composed it-Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr. The song is one of the best-known and most-recorded Christmas selections. The original version has six verses, but often only the first three are performed.

Answer: O Holy NIght

The poem "Cantique de Noel" (alternately titled "Minuit, Chretiens") which was written by Placide Cappeau in 1847, provides the lyrics to this carol. Adolphe-Charles Adam, who also composed the opera "Giselle", wrote the music.

Answer: What Child is This?

"What Child is This" is set to the tune of "Greensleeves"; it was written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix, an Englishman who was a writer of hymns and carols. He also wrote "As with Gladness Men of Old".

Answer: Away in a Manger

This carol was first published in the late 1800s in England, but its authorship is often attributed to Martin Luther, who lived from 1483-1546. However, its origins are disputed, because among Luther's papers there have been no references found to the song.

Answer: Joy to the World

The lyrics of "Joy to the World" are based on the Bible's Psalm 98. They were written by one Isaac Watts in the eighteenth century. The music's origins are less clear, but Handel is sometimes cited as the composer.

Answer: White Christmas

Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas", which has become a modern holiday classic. It was originally performed by Bing Crosby on radio in 1941, but didn't achieve hit status until the following year, when it was Number One on Billboard for 11 weeks and won the Oscar for Best Song in the movie "Holiday Inn".

Answer: Carol of the Bells

"Carol of the Bells" was created by a Ukrainian composer, Mykola Leontovych, in 1914. Its tune features couple of repeated phrases resembling the ringing or tolling of bells.

Answer: Silver Bells

"Silver Bells" was composed by two Americans, Ray Evans (lyrics) and Jay Livingston (music) who worked as a team composing songs primarily for movies. It was first released in 1950. The first performance of the song was in the film "The Lemon Drop Kid" that same year (released in 1951) by Bob Hope and Carol Richards.