A Bluestocking Knits

One of my most favorite of American carols, the early-19th-century Appalachian "Brightest and Best", set to words by the English bishop Reginald Heber.  Because it's a folk hymn, there are many versions around — this one is not quite the same, but close to the melody of the one performed here.  I've sung an arrangement by my choir director that is also wonderful.  The open harmonies and the slight drone in the low parts just get me every time. 

I love the idea that you could just get together in someone's living room and sing this!

Here is a version of this melody from Folk Songs of the Southern Appalachians as Sung by Jean Ritchie —

and one arranged for hammer dulcimer, if you're lucky enough to have one lying about.