Christina Rossetti’s poem, “In the Bleak Midwinter,” was originally published as “A Christmas Carol” in the January 1872 issue of Scribner’s Monthly. In 1875, it was collected in the book “Goblin Market, The Prince’s Progress and Other Poems.”
The evocative text has been set to music several times, but two settings in particular stand out. Gustav Holst’s is also sometimes identified as the hymn tune “Cranham.” It was included in “The English Hymnal” in 1906. The simplicity and directness of the music was tailored by the composer for congregational use. Harold Darke’s setting, from three years later, is an anthem intended for trained choirs.
In either form, Rossetti’s poem has indeed become more widely known, as the inspiration for some actual, beloved Christmas carols.
Winter arrives in the Northern Hemisphere at 10:03 a.m. EST.
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Gustav Holst
Harold Darke
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IMAGE: “Adoration of the Shepherds” (1622), Gerard van Honthorst
Yesterday morning marked the hibernal solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. On this first full day of winter, here a few photos of composers in wintry settings. Subjects identified when you click through the images.
Yes, I know the winter solstice isn’t until next Saturday. However, since by then I’ll already be going full-bore ho-ho-ho, this week on “Sweetness and Light,” I figured I’d get a jump on Old Man Winter and do my best to conjure some seasonal atmosphere, in providing a pleasant background for putting together a holiday checklist and perhaps even filling out a few Christmas cards over a cup of tea. It will be all music evocative of wintry scenes and activities.
We’ll hear works by Philip Lane, Frederick Delius, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, and Leopold Mozart; also the original version of “Jingle Bells,” published in 1857 by James Pierpont as “The One-Horse Open Sleigh,” in a hilarious performance by the Robert DeCormier Singers. Be forewarned: sleighs will be “upsot!”
Put on the kettle and link arms with Classic Ross Amico. We’ll be walking in a winter wonderland on “Sweetness and Light,” this Saturday morning at 11:00 EST/8:00 PST, exclusively on KWAX, the radio station of the University of Oregon!
In keeping with winter solstice tradition, it is a day to visit friends and bear gifts, especially candles. Schools are closed. Courts are not in session. Oh yeah, there’s also a sacrifice to Kronos (a.k.a. Saturn) and a riotous feast with benefits.
On this most popular holiday to emerge from Ancient Rome, the social order is inverted and strictures are loosened. Slaves are served by their masters. Gambling is permitted in public. There is drinking, noise, mirth, and wantonness. The populace is showered with figs, nuts, and dates, women fight in the arena, and cranes are hunted by dwarfs. In short, it’s an old-fashioned Christmas, before there was even such a thing as Christmas. Hey, if the Flintstones can celebrate the birth of Jesus, why not?
In the interest of converting rather than alienating, Christianity kept the candles, but frowned on the orgies, or at least looked the other way. But Saturnalia traditions continued to be practiced down the centuries, as evidenced in the medieval Feast of Fools, in the Victorian revival of gift-giving, in the lighting of candles, and in the eating, drinking, singing, and dancing.
Saturnalia, at its peak, was practiced through December 23. Wishing you and yours a merry one!
I think classical music is still waiting for its great Saturnalia piece. However, here’s a game attempt at assembling a playlist, to set the mood as you prepare the table for Saturn.
Anthony O’Toole, “Saturnalia”
Paul Büttner, “Saturnalia”
David W. Solomons, “Io! Saturnalia” (instrumental version)
Adam Torkelson, “Grapes en Saturnalia”
Caspar Diethelm, Symphonic Suite “Saturnalia”
Aram Khachaturian, “Spartacus,” Act II, scene 1: “Saturnalia”
Lou Harrison, “Solstice”: “Saturnalia”
Robert W. Butts, “Saturnalia Strings”
I appreciate the efforts, but none of them hold a candle to John Ireland’s “Satyricon Overture”
On this shortest day, as the warg Sköll, descendent of unruly Fenrir, chases down the sun, let us boldly feast, game, share stories, and quaff mead.
Most of all, let there be bonfires – lots of bonfires.
Cut the mistletoe! Deck the halls! Fill the air with festive and reflective music for the solstice!
However it is you choose to express the primordial desire to welcome light back into the world, I raise my cup to you. Embrace life, family, and community. Embrace love. Look to the New Year with courage, optimism, and appreciation. And drive the cold winter away!
Welcome, Yule!
Still one of my favorites, and the very thing for the Winter Solstice. To enjoy the complete album, click “play all” once you follow the link.
