Sing-Off Winners Pentatonix Share Their Rendition Of “Carol Of The Bells”
After winning the competition series The Sing-Off in 2011, a cappella group Pentatonix quickly rose to international fame.
Although the group primarily covers pop hits, they’ve also dabbled in other genres. Their Christmas covers have been especially popular with their fans, including one cover of a longtime Christmas favorite…”Carol of the Bells.”
The Ukrainian Week explains the story behind the popular Christmas carol. It is was composed by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych in 1914 and Ukrainian-American composer Peter J. Wilhousky wrote the lyrics.
Desert News examined the history of multiple Christmas carols, including “Carol of the Bells.”
In its study, Desert News uncovered the fact that “Carol of the Bells” was written with the intention that it would be performed a cappella by a choir singing four separate parts. This is how we traditionally hear “Carol of the Bells” performed today, though various artists have offered their own takes on the tune.
“Carol Of The Bells” Was The First Time Pentatonix Released A Christmas Music Video
As an a cappella group, you can bet that singing “Carol of the Bells” came naturally to Pentatonix. Their mix of voice types and ranges combined perfectly in their arrangement of the tune. If Leontovych and Wilhousky were here today, they’d probably be proud of how well Pentatonix portrayed their work.
Pentatonix shared their official music video for “Carol of the Bells” on November 14, 2012. It’s still one of the most popular videos on their channel, with over 188 million views.
Who remembers when we released our VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS MUSIC VIDEO for "Carol of the Bells" on @YouTube!? Today marks its SEVEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY! @ScottHoying shares his favorite memory while filming the video. https://t.co/dd7gOt4YRs #TheBestofPTXChristmas pic.twitter.com/iL3NWlqBOU
— Pentatonix (@PTXofficial) November 14, 2019
The video shows the group’s five members standing out in the middle of a woods. But unlike what you’d expect, there isn’t a speck of snow on the ground. Although the sun can be seen shining brightly through the trees above, you can tell that it was chilly outside by the clouds that form from Pentatonix’s breath as they sing.
You’ll also feel chills when you listen to Pentatonix’s cover in the video below. Everything about the performance is astounding, but it’s the way the group harmonizes really pushes it over the top. No wonder why the original composers always intended for the song to be performed in an a cappella style.
We’re sure you’ve watched many of Pentatonix’s Christmas videos before, but you’re missing out if you’ve never seen this one. If you have seen it, then you know that it’s definitely worth watching a second time!
Go ahead and watch Pentatonix’s jaw-dropping rendition of “Carol of the Bells” in the video below. You’ll be blown away!