Happy birthday, Christina

December 5, 2022

In honor of the birthday of English poet Christina Rossetti (1830-1894), here is a choral setting by John Rutter of her poem “Love Came Down at Christmas,” sung by the choir of the New Apostolic Church of Southern Africa.

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine,
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, Love divine,
Worship we our Jesus,
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.

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Posted by bluebird of bitterness

Happy birthday, Christina

December 5, 2021

Christina Georgina Rossetti was born in London on December 5, 1830, the youngest child of Frances and Gabriele Rossetti. Christina began writing poetry at a very young age and continued to do so throughout her life. Today she is best remembered as the author of “In the Bleak Midwinter,” which has been set to music by many composers. Here it is in a setting by Gustav Holst, sung by Benjamin Luxon and the choirboys of Westminster Cathedral.

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Posted by bluebird of bitterness

Happy birthday, Ola

May 5, 2020

In honor of the birthday of Ola Gjeilo, here is “The Rose,” sung by the Baylor University Bella Voce choir.

The lily has a smooth stalk,
Will never hurt your hand;
But the rose upon her brier
Is lady of the land.

When with moss and honey
She tips her bending brier,
And half unfolds her glowing heart,
She sets the world on fire.

There’s sweetness in an apple tree,
And profit in the corn;
But lady of all beauty
Is a rose upon a thorn.

When with moss and honey
She tips her bending brier,
And half unfolds her glowing heart,
She sets the world on fire.

— Christina Rossetti

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Posted by bluebird of bitterness

Happy birthday, Christina

December 5, 2017

In honor of the birthday of the English poet Christina Rossetti (1830 – 1894), here is a choral setting of her poem “In the Bleak Midwinter,” sung by the Washington Master Chorale. 

1 Comment | comfort & joy, musical offerings | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by bluebird of bitterness

Happy birthday, Christina

December 5, 2016

In honor of the birthday of the English poet Christina Rossetti (1830 – 1894), here is a choral setting of her poem “Love Came Down at Christmas.”

2 Comments | comfort & joy, musical offerings | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by bluebird of bitterness

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