The poem often comes first… Christina Rosetti wrote the words for Scribner’s Monthly in 1872, and then a few years later (1906, to be precise), Gustav Holst set her verse to music. The result: In the Bleak Midwinter, one of the most reflective and well-loved of all Christmas songs.
We have not only the eight-bell version, but also an augmented score with an organ accompaniment written by our friend T. Paul Rosas!
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.
Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain / 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.
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.
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.
Church Calendar: Christmas
Hymn Tune: CRANHAM
| Eight Handbells with Piano Accompaniment: | |||
| Standard Eight-Bell Score with Organ Accompaniment: | 12.00 |
Other arrangements available for eight handbells, and twelve handbells.
Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment/instrumental score(s), if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
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