Who’s the Genius?
Shostakovich vs Arthur Warrell
The original composer of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ remains a mystery to date but it is widely believed to be composed during the sixteenth-century. In 1935, Bristol-based composer, Arthur Warrell, arranged the tune for his group ‘Bristol University Madrigal Singers’ and performed it at a concert on the 6th of December. It was titled, ‘A Merry Christmas: West Country Traditional Song.’ when it was published. Ever since, it became a popular Christmas carol. Shostakovich composed his collection of Preludes and Fugues Op. 87, between October 10th 1950 and February 25th 1951.
Arthur Warrell’s We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Shostakovich’s Prelude No. 15 in D Flat. Op. 87