"In the Bleak Midwinter" [Philip Stopford]

"In the Bleak Midwinter" [Philip Stopford]

First line of lyrics: In the bleak midwinter

Stopford, Philip; music (English, born 1977)

Rossetti, Christina Georgina; text (English, 1830-1894)

2006 [publication] [copyright]

Milwaukee: Hal Leonard Corporation

genre: Christmas music|choral music|sacred music|song

chorus: SATB voices with divisi

instrumentation: organ|piano

initial sharps/flats: three sharps

initial time signature: 4/4

origin: United Kingdom

male composer

English

Rossetti poem(s): "A Christmas Carol" ("In the bleak mid-winter")

Composition history: "This new setting was commissioned by Dr. Barbara Callender, for Lorraine Stanley and the Chamber Choir of Victoria College, Belfast, Northern Ireland, composed for upper voices and piano. Later in 2006, the work was expanded for SATB choir and organ."

Tempo markings: "At a relaxed pace"; quarter note = ca. 92

Performance instructions: "It is important that the music flows, but at the same time is not rushed. The choral sound must be sustained and carefully tuned to the flowing accompaniment of piano or organ. Organists may wish to sustain some of the left-hand notes as they feel appropriate. In singing this music, as the poem states, give it your heart in your performance."

Performance history: This setting was first performed by Melisma, from Belfast.

Dedication: "For Lorraine Stanley and the Chamber Choir of Victoria College, Belfast, Northern Ireland"

Notes: The score includes a biography of the composer.

Format 1: musical score

10 pages; performance time 4 minutes and 20 seconds

Cataloguer: Emily McConkey, University of Ottawa

musical score: Morriset Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa

Record: CRM-christmascarolinthebleak-stopford

"Copyright © 2006 by ECCLESIUM PUBLISHING"

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