This year, Christmas cheer can’t come early enough. Recently, Italian singer Giada Valenti released a lovely, soothing version of “What Child Is This?” This beautiful Christmas carol was recorded in an unplugged style, with guitar and violin. It was produced by Paul Umbach, who also worked with artists like Britney Spears, ‘NSYNC, Backstreet Boys. The violin solo on the track is played by Volkan Canbolat.
Said Valenti: “I love Christmastime and I love to sing all those songs that bring so much joy to all of us. But ‘What Child Is This?’ is one of the few songs that every holiday season reminds me of what Christmas is all about. It touches my heart every time I sing it, thinking about hope, that hope we all have at Christmastime that things will get better. It was great to work together with two amazing and talented friends, like Paul Umbach, a veteran record-producer and one of the most talented musicians, and Volkan Canbolat, a young immigrant like me with big dreams who always creates love vibes with his violin. ‘What Child Is This?’ is my first Christmas recording, and I loved every second of it.”
The carol’s lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, although the melody, recognizable as “Greensleeves,” is an English ballad that dates from the Renaissance. At the time he composed the lyrics, Dix was an insurance company manager who had been struck by a severe illness. While recovering, he underwent a spiritual renewal that led him to write several hymns, including lyrics to “What Child Is This?” Although it was written in Great Britain, the carol is more popular today in the United States than in its country of origin.
To listen or download the track, visit: https://giadavalenti.com/epk-1 — edited by Georgette Gouveia
