This edition was prepared by Douglas Walczak — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
'Twas in the winter cold
Staff Notation • Sacred, Christmas
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · Andrew Sims
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'Twas in the winter cold by Joseph Barnby — Lyrics
1. ’Twas in the winter cold, when earth
Was desolate and wild,
That angels welcomed at his birth
The everlasting Child.
From realms of everbright’ning day,
And from hís throne above
He came, with humankind to stay,
All lowliness and love.
2. Then in the manger the poor beast
Was present with his Lord;
Then swains and pilgrims from the East
Saw, wondered, and adored.
And I this morn would come with them
This blessèd sight to see,
And to the Babe of Bethlehem
Bend low the reverent knee.
3. But I have not, it makes me sigh,
One offering in my power;
’Tis winter all with me, and I
Have neither fruit nor flower.
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About 'Twas in the winter cold
'Twas in the winter cold is a sacred choral work for SATB choir, setting a reflective English text for Christmas. The music opens with a gentle, flowing depiction of the Nativity scene, with the voices weaving a tender harmony to convey the wonder and humility of the occasion. The text moves from the angelic proclamation to the shepherds' adoration, and then to a personal reflection on the singer's own offerings, or lack thereof, to the Christ Child. The composer responds to the lyrics with a thoughtful and warm musical setting, creating an atmosphere of devotion and quiet contemplation appropriate for the season.
