In The Bleak Midwinter is one of three hymns that Holst composed at the request of Ralph Vaughan Williams for the English Hymnal which he was editing. Rossetti’s poem had not been published until 1904 after her death and so was a new text to Holst though it has become familiar now through this setting and that of Harold Darke.Holst was a writer of hymns over several religious streams Hymn to Dionysus Rig Veda Hymns Hymn to Jesus but in this one he achieves a simplicity of melody and accompaniment that lends a moment of introspection to the joyous season. It is perhaps less jolly that some other carols because it was intended as a hymn.

In his use of authentic Englsh folksongs Gnostic texts and Vedic hymns one can discern Holst’s search for a compositional Voice beyond the constraints of the European canon in the early 1900’s. In 1916 hepublished Six Choral Folk Songs of which Hampshire folk tune The Song of the Blacksmith is the fourth.Holst uses the power of his mixed Voice Chorale to set the song among onomatopaeic syllables to evoke the smithy. The song isone verse long which Holst repeats not quite completely three times like the endlessly spinning thoughts of a rejected lover. There are many time signature changes between 4/4 and ¾.Gustav Holst has earned a place amongthe most revered of late 19th and early 20th century composers and is best known for his enduring Orchestral suite The Planets.

So clever and satisfying to bring in Parry's “Jerusalem” hymntune along with Holst's “Thaxted” from “The Planets” to carry the majestic text “I Lift Up Mine Eyes” from the Psalms.There is a regal excellence from start to finish. A superb traditional church choir anthem.