In the Bleak Midwinter - arr Abbie Betinis - The Singers

Matthew Culloton, Conducts The Singers, as they perform Abbie Betinis' arrangement of In the Bleak Midwinter. Soloists are Sarah Frederickson, soprano; Lynette Johnson, alto;
Min Kim, Harp. Audio recorded on the Tascam IM2. Uploaded by permission of the publisher, Abbie Betinis Music Co. (www.abbiebetinis.com).

[@sallietaylor8503]

This beautiful song always reminds me of my beloved mother who died 33 years ago.She left 7 orphans.

[@WienWag]

You brought me to tears❣️ Wonderful arrangement, beautiful soloists, choir and harpist!

[@bethcrawford7427]

Stunning.

[@julia-kk7zi]

cant wait to perform this song with my chamber choir

[@janlillemo7843]

Stunning!

[@ladytube64]

Beautiful...

[@robinalexander-staggs7397]

Lovely!

[@you2bepwned]

Performing this tonight as well, with a harp too!

[@xtcultrex]

I disagree completely; never did like the Von Williams version that's been sung to death.
This version is gorgeous and intriguing and I hope to perform it with my group, The Essex Harmony, this Christmas!

[@mikehodges5612]

Tom Carmody Were you speaking of Ralph Vaughn Williams? I am not aware of a setting by him. The two composers connected to this text are Gustav Holst and Harold Darke. Abbie Betinis used the Holst setting of the hymn.

[@TheDeepCSailor]

Why is it that people wish to alter a song that is near perfection. Why the jangling harp. Sorry, this is not for me. Simplicity is what is required. A go tune spoilt!

[@chuckbogh6606]

Yes...by all means. Let's only have one version of every song. It would makes things much simpler...........and boring.
Also, having performed this with piano versus harp, the harp is the better choice because the harp's tonal quality adds to the cold and bleak impression the accompaniment has in counterpoint to the lush sound of the choir.

[@mbzwacek]

@@chuckbogh6606 Totally agree with you about the harp versus the piano. I sang this piece in a choir a few years back with piano, and I like it better with the harp. It's less obtrusive and brings to my mind ice crystallizing on windows at our old family farm. I disagree about this tune being spoilt - I feel like it is being treated in a modern way. And Abbie Betinis is by no means a "barn breaker" or "revolutionary" by having harp play with the choir on this number; check out the Ship Carol by Stephen Paulus. Another beautiful work that capitalizes on the lightness and sweetness of the harp. Here's a link to a good recording: th-cam.com/video/eCYCKPfugDY/w-d-xo.html I do love singing In The Bleak Midwinter a cappella as well, but feel like the harp added to the performance of the music and brought out the ambience of the text and vocal parts.