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.

Limber up for the feats of strength, then gather ‘round the Festivus pole. Truly, it’s a Festivus for the rest of us.