In The Bleak Midwinter - Holst - Tenebrae conducted by Nigel Short

Our recording of Holst's 'In the bleak midwinter' is released as a single, with all proceeds donated to Cancer Research UK. Please visit lnk.to/InTheBleak and download the track to support this cause which is particularly close to our hearts. Tenebrae's Director, Nigel Short, received a cancer diagnosis and underwent major surgery in 2022. He says:
“ I was unexpectedly diagnosed with bowel cancer, which was a real shock for me, my family and everyone around us. The NHS responded quickly, getting me in for a successful operation within a few weeks of my diagnosis, and I’m pleased and relieved to say that I’m now officially in remission. We wanted to do something to support the amazing work that Cancer Research UK does to support everyone affected by cancer. Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for those who are fighting the disease themselves, and for those who have recently lost a loved one or are caring for friends and family. All proceeds from downloads of 'In the bleak midwinter' will be donated to Cancer Research UK. Please consider downloading it today to support the vital work that this wonderful charity does every day of the year.”
If you love this track and would like to hear more, our latest Christmas album In Winter’s House is available in our online shop and on all major streaming platforms. lnk.to/inwintershouse
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Sopranos: Isabella Gibber, Rachel Haworth, Hannah King, Rosanna Wicks
Altos: Amy Blythe, Elisabeth Paul, Anna Semple, Joy Sutcliffe
Tenors: Jacob Ewens, Nicholas Madden, Tom Robson
Basses: Joseph Edwards, Simon Grant, Thomas Herring, Thomas Lowen
Director: Nigel Short
Filmed at St Bartholomew-the-Great, London in November 2022

[@bruceugtr]

I am a 72 year old retired musician with a lifetime of amazing musical experiences, but I have NEVER heard such a moving performance in my life!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR THIS PERFORMANCE!! ** BRAVO**!!

[@TheNortheast207]

It’s tearful in its beauty.

[@opetimistic]

Kudos

[@theresetuckness2300]

I'm 65 and still play.my instrument for many years, I love both voices and instruments

[@thekanadiangirl]

Then we shouldn't go to church, because it was built by humans. We shouldn't wear clothes, have cars, or anything else made by man. That is a very silly reason. God gave us brains to make things since the beginning of time, including instruments!

[@silliaek]

I love seeing them in their everyday clothes. Sometimes it's easy to forget that musicians of this caliber are people too.

[@ellydian8145]

I walked down the ice-covered streets of London humming this the other day.

[@markd2209]

Took this 48 year old American to hear this for the first time watching the show Ghosts. How was I robbed of such soulful beauty all my life. And especially for all the Christmas Eve’s and mornings. This version brought tears to my eyes, as it sang directly to my humanity, my heart, my soul. Thank you.

[@Raht-_-]

Ah, I see we can from the same show...

[@dutamulia]

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 Almighty, Jesus Christ. Enough for Him, whom cherubim Worship night and day, A breastful of milk And a mangerful of hay; Enough for Him, whom angels Fall down before, The ox and ass and camel Which adore. Angels and archangels May have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim Thronged the air, But only His mother 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 I can I give Him, Give my heart.

[@robinwitting2023]

Exquisite antique language; the English tongue. Robin Witting England

[@nicolelillis2077]

These sacred lyrics represent the true meaning of Christmas, without the awful commercialism.. Many thanks for posting them.

[@ronald3419]

Thank you for posting the lyrics. I hear the beautiful melody but due to hearing loss, I have difficulty, even with hearing aids, to understand the lyrics.

[@bobholmes65]

Thank you. ❤️

[@susannestorm9705]

❤❤❤❤

[@terryambrose6260]

There is just no substitution for the depth and meaning found in the hymns of old. This was so beautifully done. Thank you.

[@maxwellsim76]

Yes. the exquisite poetry by Christine Rossetti stands out.

[@susannabonke8552]

Faith and strength are in there when the heart rests in god. AMEN.

[@soaringeagle123321]

So very true... I love hymns so much. Their lyrics and melodies move me to worship God!

[@bhami]

Exquisite proof that you can have a beautiful sound *and* still sing through the consonants, such as "n".

[@bruin4Christ]

When beautiful words are wedded to beautiful music

[@grahamhill5954]

This is beautiful! Pure, simple and humble. Just as Christina Rossetti intended in her original poem. I particularly like the last verse which ends with "yet, what can I give him? Give my heart." It sums up what Christmas should be. Giving the greatest gift of all: the gift of love.♥️ Holst did the best music arrangement too. Thanks to all you wonderful singers, I'm going to have to put up our Christmas tree now! ♥️🤣🎄

[@edeledeledel5490]

I agree totally. Many choirmasters prefer the Darke tune because it is much more flashy and the choir can show off... Pure, simple and humble - exactly right. The poem and its sentiment gets completely lost in frills and furbelows of the Darke tune.

[@angieo.5745]

I CAME LOOKING FOR THIS SING today 14/4/2023 at 7:48PM BECAUSE I WAS FEELING SO DOWNCASTED..THIS SONG KEPT PLAYING IN MY HEAD AND I HAD TO COME LISTEN..PURE PEACE😌

[@conolavicus3019]

This choir is an absolute gem. If you get a chance to see (hear) them live, drop everything else and just go. You will not regret it.

[@fredgarv79]

I just saw them in Seattle a day ago, unbelievable, hundreds of people there in a huge Cathedral St James. What an experience

[@thetenebraechoir]

@@fredgarv79 Thank you both!

[@emlynjay8633]

For me, the essence of perfect Christmas Music .

[@Ezekiel336-16]

Just learned about this song today, and then came across this version online. Such a beautiful song! In Christ, Andrew

[@oneendofthailand]

Watching and enjoying this in May. 😳

[@chong2389]

Thank you again, Tenebrae. 3:49 minutes of hope, peace and tranquility in a very troubled world. Happy Christmas!

[@martinarandles5999]

This song reminds me so much of being little and singing

[@shirleyfortablet7958]

I love this beautiful song I am always singing it when doing my housework it's the best Christmas carol ever wrote merry Christmas to everyone listening to it in 2023 god bless you all Shirley h Darlington England 💝⭐💘🌹✌️

[@fairlyvague82]

I agree 100% along with It Came Upon The Midnight Clear ❤️‍🔥

[@daveleon566]

Wishing Nigel all the best in his recovery.

[@dr.johnwatson2503]

What happened to the poor ol chap?

[@fmmaj9noname332]

@@dr.johnwatson2503 It sounds like he had some kind of GI cancer.

[@roseg.5567]

Makes me cry. Every time.

[@veve3948]

oh , merci beaucoup ! You made my "little" heart beat faster.. Kisses from France. I wish a speedy recovery to Nigel Short and wish you all a Merry Christmas !

[@TheJohnLkh]

Voice of an Angel, listen to this , is like I had been transported to A Holy Realm

[@floorsleep27]

Brought me immediately to tears. Glory to God for your sharing this!

[@lovelettknight9344]

Yes. Me also.. the wonder and worship created in me by this lovely carol. I am so thankful for the words , the music , the director and the singers.

[@EdSmith7464]

I've already watched this dozens of times. Their voices are a warming fire in this cold winter. Thank you very much for this!

[@vortechsci-figadgets4603]

Wow these are some of the tightest harmonies Ive heard, love the natural acoustics of English Churches, one of my all time favourite Christmas carols.

[@janesmith9024]

Wonderfully sung as to tone, pronunciation, consonants, togetherness. British singing at its best of one of our most wonderful British composers.

[@charlienewbold9809]

Well I never knew Holst was British! Thanks!

[@rogueriderhood1862]

A lovely carol, the first verse always makes me think of a painting by Breughel of a mediaeval winter scene.

[@mssdn8976]

I wish I was a good singer, I’d have loved to be in a choir, beautiful

[@rhahnabunaid]

In Eastern Orthodox Churches, the services are sang exclusively a cappella because the human voice comes from God, whereas musical instruments come from man. This is why, I think, we resonate with choir music so much; it touches our soul.

[@jrizzle59]

Scripture says to praise Him with instruments. (Psalm 150)

[@drewmog123456]

Voices come from air causing the vocal cords to vibrate

[@rhahnabunaid]

@@drewmog123456 And our vocal cords are a creation of God. Just as the laws of logic which you are now using in an attempt to refute my argument.

[@drewmog123456]

@@rhahnabunaid No! Our vocal chords, just like our eyes, feet, bones, hearts are a result of two million years of evolution.

[@rhahnabunaid]

@@drewmog123456 I hope you're aware that you're using something that transcends the physical (logic) to try to convince me that human existence is purely physical. It's a self-refuting argument.

[@laurapoletti5234]

A very beautiful song, with an exceptional interpretation, that led me to pray. Thank you!!

[@garyhinkle5736]

Thank You 'Nigel Short' And The Tenebrae Choir For This Beautiful Christmas Gift Of Music ❤

[@Aexium]

Impressive balance of sections in this choir

[@alisapkjv]

May God bless you, Mr. Short. Praise and thanks be to the Lord for your healing

[@richardlangellotti6208]

Speedy healing to Nigel Short. I had intestinal cancer twice, and doing just fine (except for the ruination of my liver and spleen by the chemotherapy). As always, Tenebrae knocks it out of the park. I love this carol. I adapted the theme to a piano composition I did two years ago for Christmas. I'm going to get this download because of the charity that it benefits.

[@djsteink]

My thoughts and prayers to Nigel, the family, and Tenebrae. So happy to hear that he's in remission! As far as the song is concerned, this is absolutely stunning; what a way to start the holiday season. Thank you so much for the music you all put out! :)

[@davedickinson9260]

And that dear folks is how it is done. Perfect tone, excellent diction, thank you to all. Never heard this gorgeous carol sung better. A truly spiritual experience to round off the Christmas celebrations. Happy new year everyone. RevDev

[@susannestorm9705]

❤❤❤❤

[@stephanieellenbogen5570]

The beautiful words were written by Christina Rossetti.

[@anonymousanonymous2625]

Mr. Short does a beautiful job. I love that every word can be understood, often not the case with choral music .

[@Size15s]

Stunning! Especially the unison singing - the voice of the choir as one - sublime!

[@54moineau]

Utterly gorgeous .. lovely lovely lovely 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@janwiercimok1768]

❤Such a lovely Song, I have crying eyes, each time I hear it.

[@kennethlapointesongwriter3330]

Bravo. From the first few notes I could tell this was going to be beautiful and excellent. Just the right blend of voices, setting, lighting, and acoustics. Wonderful. Thank you to the conductor too. There's something amazing...at the highest level of humanity...when many voices sing as ONE voice. So unique a sound.

[@oibaf5102]

In this time of war and peace, through the sadness and joy of the people, this sound reminds me that we are all human beings; it sends me back to fragility, and to life, which comes and goes. In this Christmas season, my mind wanders back to those days of existence, in which I was in tune with the joy of the past, which, however complicated and difficult, will always be the best, if we have a light with us, a candle who guides us in the darkness of these complicated, desperate days of history. As Scrooge would say: Merry Christmas; and God bless you!

[@patrioticarchive]

Just beautiful!

[@texluh]

"What Are we gonna get for er Indoors?" - Minder. Yep, Holst and this composition were credited with that mild Dave Lee-esty in 1983

[@stevehubler3024]

So incredibly beautiful! The song of angels echoing here on earth. A blessed Christmas to all.

[@MalcolmCooks]

something about the last verse just hits me 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...

[@josephinemulvenna9618]

Álainn ❤️It’s simply beautiful ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’ 🕯🙏🏻🎄My so favourite of all the Carols I’ve sung, Light overpowering darkness, it is a stand out in its melody, lyrics, in its depth of stark beauty & here these voices take us right to the stable midst the Holy Family & capture this simple gem in sacred perfection 🗣🎶⭐️ Beannachtaí na Nollaig +🎄

[@michelecobb2]

Oh my word! It's a wonderful song.....Always loved it in the season of Winter. My other favourite is Past 3 o'clock "on a cold frosty morning....." etc. What an amazing rendition of this carol/seasonal song/ whatever it was originally written for. Thank you so very much. xxxxxx

[@rogueriderhood1862]

It was originally a poem by Christin Rosetti, published in 1872.

[@correametal]

Simply Marvelous!!!

[@tylercriss6435]

Absolutely breathtaking. Chills.

[@davidlwebb324]

This choir, under the direction of of Nigel Short, performed this lovely Holst piece exquisitely. Thank you.

[@noreendunne431]

So so still and peaceful, meaningful thank you all ❤️🙏🩷

[@adude394]

The Christmas season provides us many wonderful hymns, but this may the greatest of them all. Superb performance, and best wishes to Mr. Short.

[@ESBertrand0]

Lots of new faces in this group! I just heard them perform a Spanish Renaissance concert in Wimbledon in November and most of the faces were the ones I've seen over the years. But I only recognize two faces in this group here. Still impeccable in every way - thank you. ❤

[@TheMrFarkle]

Your beautiful rendition moves me every time I replay it. 🕊

[@chong2389]

Thank you Tenebrae! My favourite carol. Happy Christmas!

[@Vasislaw]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@elizabethwall8063]

Wow, I love this song, and this is the most beautiful rendition I’ve heard. You’ve earned a new subscriber. 😍

[@jimmoberly308]

You'all did a beautiful job. This is my favorite Christmas song or carol.

[@NiSiochainGanSaoirse]

This is angelic. Absolutely angelic. God at work.

[@user27di93ru]

Bravo👏My favourite carol.

[@patrick_3723]

Beautiful & Best wishes to Nigel!

[@bryan.c]

You warm my heart on a cool Autumn morning. Thank you

[@gamingwithslacker]

This is utterly wonderful. I've just gone and bought a couple Tenebrae Choir albums.

[@gabrieleluparello3312]

Christmas time has gone, the magic of your art still remains. Thank you, Tenebrae!

[@BartTheBardOfficial]

Beautiful what humans are capable of when wielding their talent and pursuing their passion. Merry Christmas!

[@alanmackie7012]

"Shot at St Bartholomew-the-Great, London in November 2023". Beautiful future echoes.

[@waynesmith3767]

This is such a lovely performance of the Holst setting of Rossetti’s simple and profound hymn; music and lyrics are wonderfully matched and the musicians do them justice. I listened to this since it was first posted and it is, to me, the best rendition. Thank you so much.

[@laser170323]

Magnificent.

[@stephanhewitt5692]

Such an excellent interpretation, embellished by the surrounding esthetics and acoustics. Bravo !!

[@affintlewoodlewix]

Oh wow! Stupendous. Perfect.

[@Marv_S_Music]

Such a beautiful and stirring rendition of this powerful hymn! Thank you! 🙏

[@davidmorrison5200]

Simple. Pure. Lovely. Heavenly.

[@cathywilde2756]

This is my favourite choir in all the world. I saw them in Limerick, Ireland, they blew me away with their beautiful clarity, incredible harmonies and sweet voices. I hooe they come back again!

[@mr.modern4419]

Majestic and magnificent performance. It and the message of the song melts one's heart. It certainly melted mine.

[@tinaransom5026]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@DrmeddenrasenI]

Beautiful

[@annabee4497]

This version possesses such purity and simplicity and is faithful to the spirit of the Carol. It is stunningly beautiful. thank you.

[@amylafleur408]

Such a beautiful song.

[@Watertowerification]

Great! One of my favourites 🕯

[@chrishodgson6302]

Fabulous. Thank you.

[@GirtyBongo]

Beautiful

[@dieterharryschroder4832]

Hut ab vor Eurem Können! Ich singe selbst sehr gerne Choräle - Eure Präzision ist beeindruckend und rührt mich zu Tränen! Danke!

[@SolidRollin]

Beautiful. Thanks.

[@Raht-_-]

I wish that I got to do carols like this when I was in my high school choir, but students aren't allowed to request songs :c

[@bobsherman5337]

Elegantly gorgeous!

[@Fractalesque]

I never thought I'd say this, but I was moved to tears.

[@southwife]

Perfect.Worship in Spirit and Truth.

[@funkystyle7249]

beautiful

[@johnfrobin]

So beautiful. Thank you. And Merry Christmas.

[@getdusty1]

Why is it that perfect harmony makes me weep??

[@nicolelillis2077]

This is the most haunting, beautiful version of 'In the bleak midwinter', I've ever heard.

[@gezzly72]

Haunting indeed

[@Thomas-vb4bu]

Pure, Wholesome, and Edifying. Thankful for music like this to help think about Jesus Christ.

[@wrexshunt]

Woooow . Thanks for the chills . Cheers

[@ericludlow7332]

Beautiful, my favourite hymn, thank you

[@deannamacdougall1754]

My favourite Christmas Carroll and this rendition perfect! Merry B

[@tracythompson4798]

This is my favourite Christmas hymn.

[@lovelettknight9344]

So lovely... thank you all. I always recall the first time hearing this beautiful carol. My daughter and son were students at St. Francis Elementary .. the Girls Glee Club offered an evening of music and this is the carol that has stayed with me for over 45 years. I am always moved to wonder and worship during the Blessed Season of Advent as I listen to it and even sing along ... A Blessed Christmas to you all.

[@oddandrerustad4363]

The precision is just amazing.

[@terrymann1341]

God bless you for this very moving performance of this beautiful carol.