“The O Antiphons (also known as the Great Advent Antiphons or Great Os) are Magnificat antiphons used at Vespers on the last seven days of Advent in Western Christian traditions. They likely date to sixth-century Italy, when Boethius refers to the text in The Consolation of Philosophy. They subsequently became one of the key musical features of the days leading up to Christmas.

The "O" Antiphon for December 20 is "O Clavis David" (O Key of David).

Happy Birthday, MITSUKO UCHIDA!! The great Japanese pianist the Cleveland Plain Dealer calls "the goddess of purity" is 76-years-old today.

"Born in Japan and naturalised in Britain, she is particularly notable for her interpretations of Mozart and Schubert.

She has appeared with many notable orchestras, recorded a wide repertory with several labels, won numerous awards and honours (including Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2009) and is the Co-Artistic Director, with Jonathan Biss, of the Marlboro Music School and Festival. She has also conducted several major orchestras." (Wikipedia)

On December,20, 1934, the Soviet film LIEUTENANT KIJÉ with music by Sergei Prokofiev, had its premiere in Paris. It was Prokofiev's first attempt at film music, and his score remains one of his most popular works.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: On December 20, 1946, Frank Capra's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE starring Jimmy Stewart was released in New York City.