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: CY.CC2982

ISBN 9790530058015.

In the Bleak Midwinter is a Christmas carol based on a poem by Christina Rossetti, published in 1872. Holst set it to music in 1906 and it has become the most popular of the many settings.
Matt McCrady's fine arrangement for Brass Quintet is tender and rich in sound, appropriate for moderately advanced performers and is about 5 minutes in length.
Instrumentation is for 2 Trumpets in B-flat, Horn in F, Trombone and Tuba.
The beautifully performed audio sample below is from the Pinnacle Brass album The Earth Shall Ring.

SKU: C4.9790-902250597

ISBN 9790902250597. 8.27 x 11.7 inches.

Harold Darke and Gustav Holst (alongside many others) have placed the bar high with their settings of Christina Rossetti's dearly-loved Christmastide poem. Woodside's past experience, working with trebles in his posts at Westminster Abbey and Wells Cathedral, has clearly informed his writing. This piece would be a welcome addition to any primary school Christmas celebration.

SKU: HP.C6414

UPC: 763628164140. Larry Shackley.

Classic Hymn The timeless Christina Rossetti text shines in this beautifully crafted anthem. A combination of original material and the traditional Gustav Holst tune make this a lovely offering for your Christmas season. The optional flute part adds a delightful, Celtic counter melody.