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: CF.CM9770

ISBN 9781491164419. UPC: 680160923311. Key: G major. English.

There is a Balm in Gilead is a well-known, traditional African-American spiritual. The “balm in Gilead” is a reference from the Old Testament, but the lyrics of this spiritual refer to the New Testament concept of salvation. The balm of Gilead is interpreted as a spiritual medicine that is able to heal Israel (and sinners in general). In the Old Testament, the balm of Gilead is taken most directly from Jeremiah chapter 8 v. 22: Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wounds of my [God's] people?This a cappella arrangement stays close to the simple, emotional source material. The words and the music embody weariness, resignation and hope, as the realities of slavery are met with the hope of salvation. There is a Balm in Gilead was originally part of a larger work, entitled, Mpaka simba watapo, for treble chorus, African drums and piano.  .

SKU: CF.CM9524

ISBN 9781491150566. UPC: 680160908066. 6.875 x 10.5 inches.

From the opening solo and duet passage to the a cappella three-part refrain, Lee Kesselman uses many textures in his transparent arrangement of this beloved African-American spiritual. Sure to touch the heart, inspire, give hope, and challenge, There is a Balm in Gilead is perfect for concerts and festivals.