Gustav Holst: In the Bleak Midwinter: String Quartet: Score and Parts

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 the Bleak Midwinter-A beatutiful arrangement of Christina Rossett's famous Christmas carol set by Gustav Holst and arranged by Philip Lawson. This carol will be popular with choirs and audiences alike.

Gustav Holst's beautiful melody serves as the foundation from which Robert W. Smith fashions this remarkable work. From a haunting single voice a stunning climax is reached before giving way to a simple restatement. This is a highly moving emotion-packed work for concert band.

The famous words of Christina Rossetti and the music of Gustav Holst are beautifully set for a cappella voices by Jay Rouse. It begins with wind-like oos that are followed by a more contemporary choral setting. A stunningselection for your choir and audience. Duration: ca. 4:00.

This gentle jazz-flavored arrangement of the treasured Gustav Holst/Christina Rossetti carol will be absolutely stunning in performance! Lush choral textures and rich harmonies unfold one after the other for a magical concertmoment! Duration: ca. 3:00. Available separately: SATB a cappella SSAA a cappella.