George Ratcliffe Woodward's "Ding Dong Merrily on High"

The carol "Ding Dong Merrily on High" originated in a 16th Century French dance music called "Orchesographie", composed by Jehan Tabourot.  The specific tune was called "Le branle de l'Official".  Centuries later, in 1924, George Ratcliffe Woodward wrote Christian lyrics to accompany the French tune.  The new Christmas carol was published in The Cambridge Carol-Book.  The topic of bells is appropriate considering that Woodward was a fan of bell ringing.  The song is known for its Latin refrain "Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!" (http://hubpages.com/entertainment/ChristmasCarols)

http://www.familychristmasonline.com/music/trad_french_carols/ding_dong_merrily.htm