Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution the national museum of the United States. They are dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among peoples through the documentation preservation and dissemination of sound. Folkways Records believe that musical and cultural diversity contributes to the vitality and quality of life throughout the world. Through the dissemination of audio recordings and educational materials Folkways Records seek to strengthen people s engagement with their own cultural heritage and to enhance their awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of others. Our mission is the legacy of Moses Asch who founded Folkways Records in 1948 to document “people s music ” spoken word instruction and sounds from around the world. The Smithsonian acquired Folkways from the Asch estate in 1987 and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has continued the Folkways commitment to cultural diversity education increased understanding and lively engagement with the world of sound.

On this album Helène Baillargeon performs favorite French Christmas songs ranging from Christmas hymns such as “Il est ne le divin enfant” to children s songs like “Vive le vent.” Baillargeon s collection conveys the joy of so much Christmas music.

Helène Baillargeon was a Quebecois singer and actress known for her show Chez Helène on Canadian television.During her career she recorded a number of collections of French Canadian folk songs.

En français

La fête de Noël occupe une place speciale dans le repertoire populaire. C est sans doute l un des genres les plus souriants. Dans cet album peuvent être ecoutes quelques Cantiques de Noël tels que “Il est ne le divin enfant” mais aussi des chants populaires comme “Vive le vent” que les enfants de Quebec fredonnent en attendant impatiemment l arrivee du grand jour.

Helène Baillargeon etait une chanteuse et actrice quebecoise connue pour son emission Chez Helène sur la chaîne CBC qui a enregistre plusieurs collections de chansons traditionnelles franco canadienne. Elle a choisi pour ce CD ses chants de Noël favoris pour les partager avec l auditeur.