SKU: CF.CM9773

ISBN 9781491164440. UPC: 680160923342. Key: C# minor. English. Christina Rossetti.

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,                                                       Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;                                                               Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,                                                             In the bleak midwinter, long ago.What can I give Him, poor as I am?                                                                                        If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;                                                                         If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;                                                                        Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.The text from this beloved poem of Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) was originally published in an 1872 issue of Scribner’s Monthly, under the title A Christmas Carol. In the first of its five stanzas, the speaker describes in great detail a bitingly cold winter scene, void of both warmth and light. By the final stanza, the speaker's thoughts turn inward, asking what gift they may offer the infant Jesus, meek though they believe themselves to be.The poem was later set by English composer Gustav Holst (1874–1934) as a contribution to the English Hymnal in 1906 and remains the most popular setting today.London-born Rossetti came to be regarded not only as one of the greatest female poets of her time, but as an outspoken advocate on several societal issues, including slavery and cruelty towards animals.In this setting, word painting is of the utmost importance. Careful attention to word stress throughout the course of the piece will make the performance all the more captivating. Descriptive lines such as “frosty wind made moan” should be conveyed with swelling crescendos, like frigid gusts of frozen air.While this piece features an original tune, the beloved Holst melody is also featured briefly, beginning in m. 28. Take care to bring this out.There are plenty of other allusions to wintry scenes scattered throughout the choral parts as well as the accompaniment. I encourage you to put your sleuthing “hats” on and find them all. It will make the learning experience much more memorable and fun.

SKU: CA.966000

ISBN 9790007167653. Language: Latin.

Modest and humble, this is how the old man Simeon is described; he who recognizes the fulfillment of his life, as he takes the new-born Jesus in his arms in the temple and praises him as the light to enlighten the heathen. Matsushita's setting of this scene is portrayed sensitively and, accordingly, is simple and primarily homophonic. The women's voices are set in a more comfortable range and are treated melodiously. Thus the composition can move in a very relaxed manner, flowingly, meditatively. The work is entirely tonal, without any modernisms. Important words are emphasized through the use of third relationships. The almost minimalistic piano accompaniment proceeds both independently from the choir, yet supports it and adds color which lends the work a traditional as well as a clearly contemporary character. This first choral piece can be performed by soloists or by a small choir, making it easily accessible to any girl's or women's choir.