A carol is defined simply as 'a song of praise or joy,' and as with much popular and classical music, has its origin in dance. In medieval times a carol was a round dance with music, around a text dealing with the life of Christ. While not all of the selections on the present recording can be lumped under one heading of 'carols'; there are also hymns, lullabies, and motets - certainly the desire to 'increase the element of joy' has been an overriding principle in choosing these twenty one pieces.