Illumni Men's Chorale - In The Bleak Midwinter

from Christmas For All by illumni

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about

Gustav Holst was one of several British composers at the turn of the 20th century responsible for a revival of British folk and early music.

Here, in his setting of Christina Rosetti's "In the Bleak Midwinter" (Scriber's Monthly, 1872), Holst harkens back to earlier, simpler times and many listeners would swear that this piece was written much earlier, or based on a folk tune. However, the piece is an original composition from 1906, and the words are from a poem written in 1872.

The beautiful harmonies and melody of this piece make it timeless, and it stands next to pieces like Michael Praetorius' "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming", and modern carols alike.

lyrics

1. 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.

2. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; (Omitted for length)
heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

3. Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
but his mother only, in her maiden bliss,
worshiped the beloved with a kiss.

4. 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.

credits

from Christmas For All, released October 1, 2012
Soloists:
Counter Tenor -- Charles G Logan
Baritone -- Ron L Anderson.

Conducted by
Christopher McCafferty

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about

illumni Seattle, Washington

Illumni Men's Chorale is a bunch of guys who love to sing! In just under 3 years, the group has appeared on national television, worked on multiple recording projects, and even appeared on America's Got Talent!

Illumni is made up of a mix of professional and hobbyist musicians, and rehearses and performs in the Greater Seattle/Tacoma area. www.illumnimenschorale.com for more. JUST SING!! ... more

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