December 23rd. Happy Festivus! Let the airing of grievances begin.

Then enjoy this postmodern, pandenominational, mid-winter concoction by Christopher Rouse, called “Karolju.” The title, fabricated by the composer, puts an Old World spin on the word “carol.” The “ju” is merely because, as Rouse states, he happens to like words that end in “u.” The text is totally pidgin, and the musical allusions to Orff, Tchaikovsky, Vaughan Williams, Prokofiev, and others only add to the fun.

To hear the complete piece, click the link and allow the videos to play continuously. (There are eleven movements.) The album also contains Witold Lutoslawski’s “Polish Christmas Carols” and Joaquin Rodrigo’s “Retablo de Navidad.”