Continuing in the same vein as last night, this is one we all know. But, before you sing along, make sure you listen to the descant that comes in verse two.
This is one of those songs that is best sung without vibrato. For this reason, many “trained” voices can’t sing it well. Too many professional singers put too much voice into it. Things need to be scaled back for this. Straight tones, untrained voices. . . these are most fitting for this song. Not overly polished, wobbliness. Pure tones are good, but not vibrato. As much as I love voices like Placido Domingo. . .no. No. This song, to me, illustrates the problem so many times with the “elites” of anything. Too many times in college (I majored in singing, remember), professors and students would always favor the trained voice, holding all other musics and voices as something lesser. But the problem with any sort of training, is that if one is not careful, the mind is fettered into believing that the “trained” way is always best. It may be best many times, even most, but not always.
This song illustrates that somethings are better in a less refined form.