Steven Franklin / Gustav Holst: In the Bleak Midwinter for Brass Ensemble

About the Composer: Gustav Holst

Gustav Holst (1874–1934) was an English composer, conductor, and teacher, best known for his orchestral suite The Planets. Holst studied at the Royal College of Music in London and later taught there, influencing a generation of British composers. While he composed orchestral, choral, and chamber music, Holst is particularly remembered for his hymn tunes and choral settings, many of which remain popular in church and concert settings today.

About In the Bleak Midwinter

In the Bleak Midwinter is Holst’s setting of Christina Rossetti’s well-known Christmas poem, first published in 1872. Holst composed the hymn tune in 1906, and it quickly became a favorite for church services and seasonal concerts. The melody is simple and lyrical, reflecting the reflective and intimate nature of the text. Its enduring popularity is due to the combination of Rossetti’s evocative words and Holst’s clear, singable musical line.

About This Arrangement

This edition, arranged by Steven Franklin for brass ensemble, adapts Holst’s hymn tune for a combination of brass instruments, providing a rich and warm texture. The arrangement is suitable for a variety of brass ensembles and retains the character of the original work. It allows performers to explore the melody and harmonies of Holst’s composition in a chamber music setting while highlighting the expressive possibilities of brass instruments.

Performance Uses

This brass ensemble arrangement is suitable for:

• Recitals – as part of a seasonal or chamber music program

• Church services – including Christmas and holiday worship

• Community concerts – school, college, or amateur brass ensembles

Steven Franklin’s arrangement offers musicians the chance to perform a beloved Christmas classic with a fresh perspective. It is accessible to intermediate and advanced brass players and provides opportunities to develop ensemble balance, phrasing, and dynamic control. This edition preserves the warmth and simplicity of Holst’s original composition while giving performers a new way to engage with the music.