My dear Mum always liked Gustav Holst's tune for this carol, and it is, indeed, a beautifully effective and simple melody.

My first alternative setting, which I knew was certainly not as good as Holst's, has still been favourably reviewed, though, of course, I do very much concur with the comments of Andrew Lowe-Watson, who says ... (more)

My dear Mum always liked Gustav Holst's tune for this carol, and it is, indeed, a beautifully effective and simple melody.

My first alternative setting, which I knew was certainly not as good as Holst's, has still been favourably reviewed, though, of course, I do very much concur with the comments of Andrew Lowe-Watson, who says that, whilst it might be a 'very pretty melody', it does not really conjure up the 'snow', as Holsts's very much does.
This is my second alternative setting which, whilst keeping the 6/8 meter of my previous working, might, by virtue of the minor key, perhaps create a somewhat more appropriate vehicle for Christina Rossetti's text.

Again, the vocal writing is quite straightforward, with some simple harmony, mostly in 3rds, in the third verse, and some simple canonic imitation in the last. The piano accompaniment is equally not too demanding. I have once more set four verses, omitting Rossetti's original third verse.

All Reviews

There are 2 reviews for this score

Better than Holst?
This song is very beautiful, it has a simple beautiful melody and I think this version suits the bleak midwinter much better than the first version, but Holst still beats mister Buttall! It is very dangerous doing stuff like this, to take the 'challenge' against Holst, but I really appreciate it!! Well done! So please, mister Päivinen, before you say something about a great composer (like Holst), listen to his music first, and give critics after!

Ward De Ketelaere

Can it be more beautiful?
Snowflakes are falling slowly from the sky... This piece is very lovely. I haven't heard Holst's original version, but I still think that mr. Buttall's version is more beautiful. I think this piece conjures the feeling of snow better than the 1st alternative setting. The melody is simple, yet so efficient. I like the minor key of the piece (perhaps because of finnish melancholy) and I consider this to be more beautiful than the 1st alternative setting. Well done!

Tomi Päivinen