"In the Bleak Mid-Winter" [Gustav Holst, arr. James Koerts]

"In the Bleak Mid-Winter" [Gustav Holst, arr. James Koerts]

First line of lyrics: In the bleak mid-winter

Part of: "1777: A Colonial Christmas"

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

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

Koerts, James; arrangement (American). Nichols, Richard A.; orchestration

2009 [copyright] [publication]

SoundForth

genre: Christmas music|cantata|choral music|musical theatre|readers' theatre

solo: low voice

chorus: SATB chorus

instrumentation: snare drum

initial sharps/flats: three flats

initial time signature: 4/4

origin: United States

male composer|male arranger

English

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

Place in the larger work: The second song of eleven in the cantata called "1777: A Colonial Christmas," which includes 1. "Prince of Peace" (Duane Nichols); 2. "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" (Christina Rossetti); 3. "The Holly and the Ivy" (Traditional English, ca. 1700); 4. "Prince of Peace (Reprise 1)" (Duane Nichols); 5. "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" (14th century Latin carol); 6. "The Holly and the Ivy (Musical Bridge)" (Traditional English, ca. 1700); 7. "Of the Father's Love Begotten" (Aurelius C. Prudentius, trans. John M. Neale and Henry W. Baker); 8. "Patriot's Prayer" (Duane Nichols); 9. "No Greater Love" (Duane Nichols); 10. "Fear Not" (Duane Nichols); 11. "Prince of Peace (Reprise 2)" (Duane Nichols).

Tempo markings: "With great expression"; quarter note = 120

Performance instructions: Staging instructions are listed at the end of the score. Optional snare drum.

Notes: This score is an arrangement of Gustav Holst's 1906 setting. The record for this setting includes the following description: "We often forget that our freedoms were purchased by the sacrifice of others. This story reveals the hardships and sacrifices endured by a typical American family during the extremely cold Christmas at Valley Forge when George Washington led the colonial army. The original story by David Burke is adapted for Readers Theatre style performance and can be performed without the expense of sets and costumes. The words simply and emotionally remind a modern audience that we have much to be thankful for as we enjoy our Christmas this year in a free country. Original music by James Koerts includes: Prince of Peace, Fear Not, and Patriot's Prayer. Also includes traditional arrangements of Good Christian Men, Rejoice! and In the Bleak Mid-Winter. This timely cantata will remind all who hear that Christ came to earth that first Christmas to bring peace" ("1777: A Colonial Christmas").

Format 1: musical score

6 pages (pp. 6-11)

Other data reference(s): "1777: A Colonial Christmas." Sheet Music Plus, https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/1777-a-colonial-christmas-digital-sheet-music/20346473. Accessed 3 June 2019.

Cataloguer: Emily McConkey, University of Ottawa

This score is copyright protected. A score can be consulted here: "1777: A Colonial Christmas." Sheet Music Plus, https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/1777-a-colonial-christmas-digital-sheet-music/20346473. Accessed 3 June 2019.

Record: CRM-christmascarolinthebleak-holst-koerts

"©2009 SoundForth, a division of the Lorenz Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A."

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