Unison/2-Part Treble-This arrangement of the beloved 19th century Christmas carol reflects the beauty and sensitivity of its timeless text and simple pastoral melody. The piece is easily sung by unison or two part choirs and also includes an optional C treble instrument that brings support and harmonic interest to the expressive vocal parts. Ideal for holiday concert settings or Christmas worship services. Available separately: Unison/opt. 2-Part Treble CelebrationTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:13
SKU: CF.CM9773
ISBN 9781491164440. UPC: 680160923342. Key: C# minor. English. Christina Rossetti.
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,                            Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;                                Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,                               In the bleak midwinter, long ago.What can I give Him, poor as I am?                                            If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;                                     If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;                                    Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.The text from this beloved poem of Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) was originally published in an 1872 issue of Scribner’s Monthly, under the title A Christmas Carol. In the first of its five stanzas, the speaker describes in great detail a bitingly cold winter scene, void of both warmth and light. By the final stanza, the speaker's thoughts turn inward, asking what gift they may offer the infant Jesus, meek though they believe themselves to be.The poem was later set by English composer Gustav Holst (1874–1934) as a contribution to the English Hymnal in 1906 and remains the most popular setting today.London-born Rossetti came to be regarded not only as one of the greatest female poets of her time, but as an outspoken advocate on several societal issues, including slavery and cruelty towards animals.In this setting, word painting is of the utmost importance. Careful attention to word stress throughout the course of the piece will make the performance all the more captivating. Descriptive lines such as “frosty wind made moan†should be conveyed with swelling crescendos, like frigid gusts of frozen air.While this piece features an original tune, the beloved Holst melody is also featured briefly, beginning in m. 28. Take care to bring this out.There are plenty of other allusions to wintry scenes scattered throughout the choral parts as well as the accompaniment. I encourage you to put your sleuthing “hats†on and find them all. It will make the learning experience much more memorable and fun.
SKU: GI.G-8749
English. Text Source: V. 1, Christina Rossetti, 1830-1894, alt., vv. 2-5 Rory Cooney. Text by Christina Rossetti.
SKU: HP.1562
UPC: 763628115623.
Christmas hymn tune An interest effect is achieved in this arrangement of Puer Nobis Nascitur and In the Bleak Midwinter by using parallel octaves 2 octaves apart. Most bells of the 4 octave set are used, keeping ringers busy. Measures total 91.
SKU: TV.C41
ISBN 9781894096881.
Songs for Christmas contains songs that you might use for performances in a holiday concert. Sing a little Christmas would be an excellent holiday concert opener. It's fast and fun and your students will love it. In the Bleak Midwinter is a total contrast - slow, lyrical and beautiful. Although many of the songs are in 2 or 3 parts, they would all be possible to perform in unison. Just teach the melody throughout for your younger or less experienced choirs.
