In the Bleak Midwinter
Sheet Music

SATB choir (divisi, a cappella)

SKU: LO.10-3938R

Composed by Gustav Holst. Arranged by Lee R. Kesselman. Choral. Te Deum Choral Series. Sacred Anthem, Concert. Octavo. Roger Dean Publishing #10/3938R. Published by Roger Dean Publishing (LO.10-3938R).

ISBN 9781429115551.

This arrangement of the Christmas classic was written for the composer's daughter, who had requested a new setting to commemorate her first choral conducting job. The piece departs from the original melody at the end of verse three and in verse five, where the lyrics and the spirit of the song continue but the actual tune disappears into the harmony and texture. Like many timeless carols, this selection paints a picture of the single believer, confronted with the humble birth of Jesus during the darkest, coldest time of year. Faced with the question of "What can I give Him?" the singer realizes that "my heart" is the greatest gift of all.