"In The Bleak Midwinter" [Gustav Holst, arr. Mark D. Templeton]

"In The Bleak Midwinter" [Gustav Holst, arr. Mark D. Templeton]

First line of lyrics: In the bleak mid-winter

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

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

Templeton, Mark D.; arrangement (American, born 1974)

2010 [copyright]

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

chorus: women’s SSAA chorus

instrumentation: violin|flute

initial sharps/flats: one flat

initial time signature: 4/4

origin: United States

male composer|male arranger

English

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

Composition history: The arrangement was "Commissioned by Womansong in Charleston, WV." The score includes the following statement: "The frigid northern landscape that Rossetti paints with her text combined with the divinely melancholy nature of Holst's melody provides the perfect backdrop for the winter holidays."

Tempo markings: "Tenderly"; quarter note = c. 80

Notes: This score is an arrangement of Holst's 1906 setting, but also incorporates a medieval tune: "The first and last sections of this arrangement incorporate the same melody and major key as the original, but the middle section, while in a minor mode, juxtaposes Holst's melody with one of the most beloved chant melodies from the Gregorian chant repertoire, Ave Maria. The original chant can be sung in conjunction with the piece."

Format 1: musical score

9 pages

Cataloguer: Emily McConkey, University of Ottawa

This score is copyright protected. A score can be consulted here: "In The Bleak Midwinter." Issuu Inc., https://issuu.com/singmtempleton/docs/mtn004_-_in_the_bleak_midwinter_-_m. Accessed 7 March 2019.

Record: CRM-christmascarolinthebleak-holst-templeton

"© 2010 by Mark Templeton at www.mtchoralmusic.com"

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