In The Bleak Midwinter
SSAA - Digital Sheet Music

Choral Choir (SSAA) - Level 4 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.864401

Composed by Gustov Holst (1874-1934). Arranged by Mark Templeton (born 1974). 20th Century,Christmas,Sacred. Octavo. 12 pages. Mark Templeton Choral Music #2026715. Published by Mark Templeton Choral Music (A0.864401).

For SSAA chorus, Flute, & Violin, arranged by Mark D. Templeton. Gustav Holst’s In the Bleak Midwinter was written at the request of Ralph Vaughan Williams, the editor of the English Hymnal. Holst used Christina Rossetti’s popular poem, written in 1872, for the text. The carol was first published in the English Hymnal in 1906 and quickly became a favorite among congregations. 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. 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, shown below, can be sung in conjunction with the piece. This unique arrangement will be exciting for any women’s chorus to sing. The flute and violin parts can be played by any two C-instruments. Mark Templeton, born 1974, is an American choral composer, conductor, and countertenor. Templeton’s music has been performed across the world at various international festivals and ACDA conventions. Some of his music is published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing, and he has recently started to self-publish. He teaches and resides with his wife, Becca, at West Nottingham Academy in Colora, Maryland, the oldest boarding school in the United States. He also enjoys coaching, playing, and watching soccer when he is not working. He is available for commission upon request.