Hark! The Herald Banjo Rings
Christmas 2009
December 18
The lyrics to "In The Bleak Midwinter" were originally a Christmas poem by English poet Christina Rossetti. It was published as a carol in 1906 with a setting by Gustav Holst.
This piece is performed by Sue Hahs (vocals) and Greg Barlow (banjo). Greg recorded the banjo accompaniment in Pittsburgh and sent it to Sue in New Hampshire, where she added vocals. This is Sue's second contribution to Hark! this year, with a third coming up in a few days.
Downloads: mp3
In The Bleak Midwinter
Performed by Sue Hahs (vocals) and Greg Barlow (banjo)
Words: Christina Rossetti, c. 1872.
Music: CRANHAM, Gustav Theodore Holst, 1906.
In the bleak mid-winter
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 mid-winter,
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 mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God incarnate,
Jesus Christ.
Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air;
But His mother only,
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped 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 can I give Him:
Give my heart.
Sources and more information
- Presbyterian Hymnal, 1990.
- Oxford Book of Carols, 1964.
- Hymns and Carols of Christmas
- Wikipedia