This edition was prepared by Adrian Wall — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
In the bleak midwinter
Staff Notation • Sacred, Christmas
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In the bleak midwinter by Adrian Wall — Lyrics
In the bleak midwinter frosty winds 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.
Our God, Heav'n cannot hold him nor earth sustain;
Heav'n and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign:
In the bleak midwinter astable place sufficed.
The Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ.
Enough for him, whom cherubim worship night and day,
A breastful of milk and a mangerful of hay:
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About In the bleak midwinter
Adrian Wall sets Christina Rossetti's evocative text, a Christmas carol that paints a stark picture of the Nativity scene. The poem contrasts the harshness of a midwinter setting with the humble circumstances of Christ's birth. Wall's setting for SSAATTBB/SATB with divisi voices allows for rich harmonic textures, capturing both the solemnity and the wonder of the event. The English lyrics explore themes of divine humility and the adoration of both heavenly hosts and earthly creatures. This is a powerful and moving interpretation of a cherished Christmas poem, suitable for a discerning choir looking for profound seasonal repertoire.
