<P> The Bristol - based composer , conductor and organist Arthur Warrell is responsible for the popularity of the carol . Warrell arranged the tune for his own University of Bristol Madrigal Singers , and performed it with them in concert on December 6 , 1935 . That same year , his elaborate four - part arrangement was published by Oxford University Press , under the title `` A Merry Christmas : West Country traditional song '' . </P>
<P> The Bristol - based composer , conductor and organist Arthur Warrell is responsible for the popularity of the carol . Warrell arranged the tune for his own University of Bristol Madrigal Singers , and performed it with them in concert on December 6 , 1935 . That same year , his elaborate four - part arrangement was published by Oxford University Press , under the title `` A Merry Christmas : West Country traditional song '' . </P>
who sings the original we wish you a merry christmas
who sings the original we wish you a merry christmas
University of Bristol Madrigal Singers
University of Bristol Madrigal Singers