In the 17th and 18th centuries, Christmas was the busiest time of the year for church composers. The congregation expected to hear new Christmas music in church which often involved instruments, choirs and soloists. Composers throughout Europe both young and old, known and unknown, lovingly and loyally participated in this Christmas tradition, and many of the greatest among them invested considerable creative powers and imaginativeness in writing music for Christmastide. In addition, the wealthy nobility had the custom of commissioning semi-religious music for ‘charming musical diversions’ at Christmas, probably as a prelude to a sumptuous Christmas dinner for many invited guests.