Christmas Hymn Story: In the Bleak Mid-Winter
English poet Christina Rosetti published a poem under the title “A Christmas Carol” in January 1872 issue of Scribner’s Monthly.
Composer Gustav Holst composed a setting to her words in 1906. The new hymn appeared in The English Hymnal under the title “In the Bleak Midwinter”.
In 1909, Harold Darke composed an anthem for the piece, which is widely performed by choirs.
In 2008, a poll of the world’s leading choirmasters and choral experts named “In the Bleak Midwinter” the best Christmas carol.