"In the Bleak Midwinter" [Gustav Holst, arr. Peter Bloesch]

"In the Bleak Midwinter" [Gustav Holst, arr. Peter Bloesch]

First line of lyrics: In the bleak mid-winter

Holst, Gustav; music (English, 1874-1934)

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

Bloesch, Peter; arrangement (American)

n.d.

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

chorus: SSTB chorus

instrumentation: piano

initial sharps/flats: one flat

initial time signature: 4/4

male composer|male arranger

English

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

Composition history: Bloesch describes the setting and poem: "This is a peaceful and introspective setting, inspired by the serenity of the beautiful poem by Christina Rossetti" (Bloesch).

Tempo markings: "Gently flowing"; quarter note = ca. 72

Performance history: Bloesch describes the first performance of the arrangement on his website: "My arrangement of "In the Bleak Midwinter" was premiered in its original version (for choir and chamber orchestra) by my father at a gala performance of carols that I had arranged and written, in December 2010. This was one of the events that celebrated his having conducted their church choir for many decades. It was a large community event, with around 300 people in attendance" (Bloesch).

Notes: This score is an arrangement of Gustav Holst's 1906 setting.

Format 1: musical score

8 pages; performance time 6 minutes and twenty seconds.

Cataloguer: Emily McConkey, University of Ottawa

Record: CRM-christmascarolinthebleak-holst-bloesch

"This music is copyright by Peter Bloesch, with all rights reserved."

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