Judging from the statistics on iTunes, âIn the Bleak Midwinterâ is one of the less played or purchased singles from David Archuletaâs new Christmas album, âWinter in the Air.â
Admittedly, it is not the song I select first either, but I am here to champion this underdog track because there is still so much to enjoy and appreciate in Davidâs flawless rendition.
At the very least, it is yet another testament to his artistry and his unmatched skill in singing a story that reaches both heart and mind. A spiritual sensitivity and pure vocal prowess, thatâs what it is.
A little about the song.
The lyrics in this traditional Christmas carol are based on a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti (1830-1894).
Her poem was first published in 1872, and was titled, âA Christmas Carol.â In 1906, it was set to music by Gustav Holst for The English Hymnal. It has actually been set to music many times and in many ways, but the hymnal melody is the one used most often by vocal soloists.
The song has been recorded by an endless list of artists. Every performing musician must want this carol included in their Christmas repertoire. Among the versions on YouTube, there were expected renditions and a few surprises. A few: Julie Andrews, Kingâs College Choir, Sissel, Tine Thing Helseth (trumpet), James Taylor, Paul Cardall, Susan Boyle, The Tabernacle Choir, Dan Fogelberg, Sarah McLachlan, YoYo Ma, Annie Lennox, Frida (ABBA), Orla Fallon, Indigo Girls, Moody Blues⊠See what I mean?
Back to Davidâs interpretation.
The original poem, now called âIn the Bleak Midwinter,â is easily found online. It has five stanzas, and I have never heard a vocal version where the poem is used in its entirety. Artists and arrangers seem to pick and choose which lines they want to use, and that is what David has done.
He eliminated two stanzas, moved a couplet to a different place, changed the word order in one line, changed the rhythm of one line (Ă la Sissel), and replaced a couple of words.
He made it his own with the sequence of the verses and the lines he chose to use. It would be interesting to know his thinking behind the decisions he made.
Here are the lyrics for Davidâs version, showing where he paused for musical interludes:
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
 Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
Snow had fallen, snow, on snow, on snow, In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
 Angels and archangels may have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But only His mother in her maiden bliss, Worshipped her beloved with a kiss.
 In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
The production on this song is unusual and really interesting. It begins with chimes and a Gregorian-like undertone that supports the opening lyrics: bleak, windy, cold, etc. This creates the visual of a physical setting for me, maybe something from the time period of the poet. I could imagine David in an old and beautiful but cavernous cathedral, perhaps pondering what it must have been like on that wintry night when Christ was born.
When David begins to sing, there is a slight echoing of the music, which adds to the image of a large space where even the softest sounds reverberate. (You can almost picture the voluminous stained-glass windows.) Davidâs beautiful voice is calming and reverent but purposeful, if that is an apt description.
The first interlude has different chimes, more melody and more movement. There is obviously more story to be told. An accurate explanation of the interlude passage is difficult because it is a sound you feel, something between haunting and ethereal. It is not music for a sunny summer day, but it belongs.
Listen to how Davidâs tone gradually intensifies when he sings about the Saviorâs birth, His crucifixion, and the anticipated Second Coming. His voice is accompanied by fewer chimes and more stringsâless cold and more warmth. He finishes the stanza (with the couplet he moved) to remind us of the humbling circumstances with the bleak midwinter cold.
Another interlude follows, using the same chimes as the first, but it is longer, building toward the announcement of the birth, and then it stops. David begins a cappella to tell us about the sacred scene at the manger. There is very little accompaniment thereafter and his vocal interpretation is beyond perfect. I hear awe and reverence and love. So good!
David sings the last stanza in the same worshipful manner. His voice lingers on the final mention of Jesus Christ as the song ends. I am completely blessed by this. Amen.
Perfection #1: First of all, Davidâs Spanish is perfectly suited for O Ven, O Ven Emanuel. The softness of this romantic language allows him even more vocal versatility. When listening to both the English and Spanish versions, I find David singing in a lower tone than the English one, thereâs a depth and richness that Iâve never heard anywhere else.
Perfection #2: His pitch is perfect on every note and the key he chooses to sing this in is David at his finest, there is no straining whatsoever and he sounds relaxed and powerful and controlled all at the same time.
Perfection #3: His tone is sublime. Even on the higher notes, he glides effortlessly in and out of them.
Perfection #4: To me, this is his most perfect recording where the production never overshadows the lyrics but helps set the otherworldly mood. And when David sings the lower notes, it is pure heaven. He glides up and down the scale with such ease. Even his rolled râs show no hesitation, they are smooth as perfect silk.
Perfection #5: I love how the production and the foreign language transcend me to a different time and place. Itâs haunting and reassuring at the same time. I have never felt Davidâs vocals so perfectly matched with an accompaniment as on this song.
Perfection #6: Thereâs an all over quality in his voice which is, you guessed it, ⊠perfect. Maybe itâs because heâs holding back a little, concentrating on the pronunciation of each word, I honestly donât know, but imho, when you compare his English version to this Spanish one, you can hear a difference.
I hope he chooses to do this in concert, perhaps singing part in English and part in Spanish.
So librarians, editors, and yâall with big word vocabularies (the rest of you can dust off your thesauruses) find this olâ gal a word that describes this song, other than perfect, perfectly.
~ Janey
*******
p.s.
Must-see interview!
p.p.s
Need tickets to the Athens, GA, concert?
Contact @karenkid:
“Hello all! It’s developed that I won’t be able to attend David’s concert in Georgia on December 15. đ„ I’m looking to give away the tickets. They’re Center Orchestra, Row G, Seats 111 and 112. You can contact me at knbschneider@gmail.com. Thanks!! ~ karenkid”
[So sorry you can’t make it, Karen!]
p.p.s.s.
See the two dancers from the Winter in the Air vid with the rest of their team on World of Dance. Wow!
I AM CRYING THOSE TEARS YOU GET WHEN THE WINTER WIND STINGS YOUR EYES BUT THE SPARKLY SNOW IS SO BEAUTIFUL ON THE TREE BRANCHES THAT YOU OPEN THEM ANYWAY TO SEE THE SUN GLINTING OFF THE ICE CRYSTALS AND YOU PULL YOUR SCARF UP OVER YOUR NOSE SO YOUR EYES CAN STILL PEEK OUT AND MARVEL AT THE BEAUTY OF IT ALL.
How about you guysssss?
I love everything about this video… David… the song (my fave)… the beautiful dancers, so natural… the aerial shots of the forest… David… his outfit (I covet that cardigan)… his lightly scruffed grown-up outdoorsy look… David… the little touches like his hand brushing the trees… did I mention David? Just ALL OF IT!!!!!
********
How cool is it that the video was debuted by Variety!!! Full story HERE.
Normally, I’d do a post covering my impressions of all the songs on the album.
But I have too many feelings about each song to do that, so I’m just going to talk about one at a time.
Overall though, I will say that not only do I love that David’s included fun, “deck the halls”-ish songs along with reverent, sacred carols, but also that it’s one of the few (if only) Christmas albums I know that conveys the feeling of quiet introspection that sneaks up on us during the holidays.
Those moments when you take a break from all the craziness and sit quietly alone and contemplate what Christmas really means to you…
Whether you feel sadness about regrets or loved ones who are gone, or a longing to make a change in your life. Or maybe, along with all that, you reflect on Christ’s humble beginnings, the hardships that he faced, and the love he channeled into the world. Love that comes shining through in each note of this album.
The holidays can be a tough time for many of us, and I feel an undercurrent of that on this album. Amid the joy and reverence, I also feel a tinge of melancholy… a nod to the pain that can overtake us when we’re told by all the commercials and posts and parties that it’s “The most wonderful time of the year.”
To me, this album helps us take a moment to really think about the true meaning of Christmas… about how much you’re loved and how you can be more compassionate with others… those thoughts can help us feel less alone, maybe more connected to those we’ve lost and to something bigger than ourselves.
Those kinds of feelings are rarely conveyed on Christmas albums, but I feel like David’s done that beautifully here. Definitely in the title track.
When David sung a bit of it from his car on Instagram, I literally burst into tears. Did not see that coming. It was a completely visceral reaction.
I’m hesitant to overanalyze why it happened because I don’t want to break the spell.
Just now, I played the song, and the same thing happened. In fact, I was listening to the album driving home last night and had to skip the title track, for real, because it was dark and rainy and tons of construction on my route and I needed to see where I was going… tears were not an option!
There’s just something in David’s tone right off the bat, like he’s whispering in your ear.
“Sacred stillness brought to life”… that’s exactly what it is.
The hushed quiet after it snows and the world is peaceful and perfect for a little while. You hold your breath and marvel at the otherworldly beauty of it all.
How he captures all that with his voice, I have no idea. But it pierces my heart and triggers rivers of tears. The sheer beauty of it.
The notes and what’s between the notes. That makes zero sense but I can feel that. Can you?
Foot prints in the snow
The world a shining globe
The scent of evergreen is like home
A deep breath cold and clean
The sound of distant bells
The story they foretell
An almost silent night,
A sacred stillness brought to life
Like music, like magic
Somehow it just happens
I could stay here forever
Nothing can compare
To this moment with you
And winter in the air
Winter in the air
Sparkling on the streets
Red birds, hear them sing
All is calm and bright
Underneath the stars that watch the night
Like music, like magic
Somehow it just happens
I could stay here forever
Nothing can compare
To this moment with you
And winter in the air
Winter in the air
On this snowy night,
The world is pure and right
Like music, like magic
Somehow it just happens
I could stay here forever
Nothing can compare
To this moment with you
And winter in the air
Winter in the air
Great @DavidArchie interview! âBut Iâve learned to stop asking why, keep my hands open, ready to receive whatâs next and be grateful.â đhttps://t.co/45hv6rYW2Q
Soooooooooo excited for this album! And the EP!!!!
Here are the car-aoke snippets David shared… so far I am LOVING all the original songs… the title track, He Is Born and Christmas Every Day all sound amazing from what we’ve heard so far!
Tears immediately welled up and I was clutching my chest when David started singing the title track snippet. I AM NOT READYYYY!!!!
Forget that, I am SO ready! lol
Countdown begins!
I want to know what everyone thinks of the songs as soon as you’ve heard them!
LET’S ALL HOLD HANDS AND SING KUMBAYA WHILE WE WAIT!!!!
You might say that David and Kari take the cake! *hides*
(check out @livingbeautahfully and @catcherintheryephotography’s insta stories for vid clips, as well, thx. for the heads up, Janey! I believe these were taken behind the scenes for Studio 5, to air tomorrow)
Spoiler alert:A candid shot of me when I got to the end and read that David’s releasing a new pop album in 2019:
Here are some other highlights:
ML:Â Iâve never been [to Nashville], but Iâve heard similar sentiments about it. Itâs one of those places that feels like home even though it may be far from it.
DA:Â Yes, itâs so that! People just talk to you in the grocery store even if people know who you are. The city understands artists, because itâs what so many people in this town do. They donât look at you like youâre some sort of foreign alien. Everyone knows at least someone in the music industry here. So, itâs just nice to be able to strike up a conversation with a cute, old, southern woman whoâll invite you over for dinner if you ever want a good home-cooked meal. [Edit: DUDE, how about a cute, ol’ Canadian woman who doesn’t really cook but knows people who do?!?]
…
DA: One of my favorite places Iâve been to as a tourist when I had some downtime, was a place in Croatia called the Plitvice Lakes. I feel like images donât do it justice because you go there and even though it was rainy, the water was so blue and clear. They built this walkway that goes all across the lakes and even up some waterfalls. There are so many waterfalls, like little ones. You feel like youâre in Narnia or seeing the elves of Rivendell. Itâs just a beautiful place. [Edit: Narnia. đ]
…
DA: It does, because itâs amazing to see all the different cultures. Being on American Idol, for example, I never thought Iâd be going to Southeast Asia to perform so much in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Theyâre all huge fans of singing competitions and just pop music in general. Whatâs the background of your name by the way? [Edit: You guyyyyyyyys, I’m crying at how much he cares about people and wants to know more about them.]
ML: My name is Persian, but Iâm originally from India. My great grandparents were from there, but my parents were born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa. Then, my sisters and I were born here in the US. That helps explain why, for me, anything that has to do anything with culture is so exciting. Thatâs truly the best part about traveling. You can see and experience these cultures. It shows how connected we actually are versus how different we are.
DA: Itâs amazing! Language is so different everywhere it goes. It can affect the behaviors and the cultures of the people. I did go to Southern India one time to Chennai, actually. Something that stuck out to me was when we were there for this organization called Rising Star Outreach that built schools there for kids from leprosy colonies. On one of the days we had off, we walked around the village and they had these dome homes. A guy that I had never seen before was just there with his wife and his mom. Even though we were strangers he was like, âCome eat with us.â And, they invited us for dinner. We didnât have time to, but I was just like, âWow, this is amazing.â I had no idea how to speak with him with words, but it made for an even cooler interaction. They wanted to connect with us too. Wanting us to have dinner with them was really sweet. [Edit: People around the world want to feed The Archuleta and I approve of this message!!!]
…
DA:Â Yes, itâs something that Iâve always wanted to do. Some of the first songs Iâve ever learned were Spanish ones, but I didnât know how to talk to the people. When I learned Spanish and came back home, I was able to talk to my grandpa. Heâs like a book on the shelf that you always saw growing up, but never picked up to read. I didnât speak Spanish and he doesnât speak English.
So, when I got back, I got to hear all his stories. He actually worked for the newspaper and wrote articles. He told me about how he worked in the [United Kingdom] and Vietnam. I had never realized how much traveling he did as a reporter for the national newspaper in Honduras. To hear him talk about his childhood and hear about how my mom grew up, it was just amazing. I was so glad that I could connect with him. [Edit: “He’s like a book on the shelf that you always saw growing up, but never picked up to read.” I CAN’T. CANNOT. C.A.N.N.O.T.]
…
DA: [about travel broadening your perspective] … you see different ways to live and you can still continue finding joy, happiness and peace. But, it also helps you realize how similar everyone is because everyone still has those day-to-day struggles of feeling loved, feeling like you have a sense of purpose. You could be friends with all kinds of people from different countries even if theyâre living completely different lifestyles than you are. Itâs a really beautiful experience. [Edit: What a beautiful soul he is.]
…
ML:Â …Lastly, youâll be hitting the road for a month-long tour at the end of November to promote the album. What else do the next couple of months have in store for you?
DA:Â Iâll be working on my next pop record. Iâm already working on pop music for my next record to be released in 2019.
WHAT AN AWESOME, FUN, FESTIVE, VERY DAVID VIDEOOOOOO!!!!!!
I wasn’t expecting much, tbh… I already LOVE the song, so thought a video would be a nice bonus but didn’t think I’d be wowed by it or anything, but it’s PERFECT!
So glad there’s dancing! I was literally chair dancing, arms in the air, the whole bit, in my home office where people passing close by must’ve thought I was having some kind of medical episode.
BUT I DON’T CARE! Love it!
And can we talk about this move???!!!!
Wut the wut wut???!!!
PLEASE AFFIX WARNING LABELS IN FUTURE, DAHVEEED!
And how cool that Entertainment Tonight premiered it?? Love that!!
I am amused by the fact that the online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a âspectacularâ as being âsomething that is spectacular.â
The word is also related to âbeing a spectacle,â but that was totally my personal category over the weekend, of which I will say but a little. Be glad.
Semantics aside, just know that if you witness something spectacular done spectacularly, you are indeed at a spectacular. I saw it, and he did it, and I am beyond grateful I was there in person.
I would go to all of Davidâs concerts if I could, and I have gone to many; but I can no longer go without some help. Even then, it takes determination and courage. These days, I tend to buy âjust in caseâ tickets and generally end up selling them. Not this time!
It was very last minute, but everything fell into place for the weekend: a willing husband had free time; our Chicago daughter and two of our granddaughters would be in Provo; fortuitous timing for a business appointment in Salt Lake City; a visit to a beloved aunt who just turned 103; dinner out with four of hubbyâs five siblings and their spouses; and more, so much more. See? It was meant to be. A customized blessing. If I could jump, it would be for joy.
On to the showâŠ
In order for me to manage walking, it was imperative for us to park as close as possible to the Marriott Center, so we went quite early to snag a spot. The lot was relatively empty, but we just stayed in the car, feet up, chatting, reading, relaxing⊠As I think about it now, we must have looked like a couple of confused senior citizens who had lost their way.
When the doors to the venue finally opened, we went in, made a gingerly descent down the stairs, found our seats and sat down. The first thing I noticed was Davidâs âNumbâ video playing on the gigantic scoreboard display over the arena. People were paying attention; and if you have ever wondered if David would look good on the big screen, the answer is somewhere between an inadvertent squeal and a resounding âYes!â
Any review of the concert would have to include the word âfun.â BYUâs performance groups were having a blast. They were talented, prepared, and BYU smiley. The 90-minute program had the right variety at the right pace.
I enjoyed Colbie Caillat, her down to earth personality, her appreciation for a new experience, and her music. A genuine artist sharing good stuff.
I know many of you watched the concerts by means of various Periscopes (bless those people!) and you continue to watch (repeatedly) any videos that pop up. I canât add much description to what you have seen and heard.
Being there was definitely an upgraded experience, but it doesnât take away the stunning effect felt by every fan, wherever they were watching, when David sang âDonât Let the Sun Go Down on Me.â And judging by what I saw at the concert, there are new fans who were equally stunned. How could anyone forget it?
My own reaction was utter speechlessness, a rare occurrence. I was not devoid of feeling, but I sure couldnât describe it, not adequately anyway. How many times has David performed something and we tend to think, âWow, he may have peaked with that one,â and then he just goes out and does it again?
One of my favorite things to do at a concert like this is to observe the audience, especially if Davidâs live performances seem to be new to some of them. He is always much more than they expect him to be. This concert was no different.
The man who sat behind us the first night knew about David, knew he was popular in Utah and wondered out loud if David was âalways invited to these sorts of things.â When David finished slaying everyone there with the Elton John number, this guy had to be one of the first on his feet for the standing O. He was cheering and whistling and still talking about it during the final number.
A similar something happened the second night to a couple behind us who had come for Colbie Caillat, and only Colbie. I couldnât tell if they even knew who David was, or if they had ever been near BYU before. I can only assume from their repeated expressions of âWow! Wow!â after David sang that they know who he is now.
I just love it when these things happen. I feel like Mama Bear, knowing everyone is safe and everything is exactly how it should be.
I wanted to give some advice to the group of beautiful and chatty coeds sitting to our right on Friday night: Ladies, you canât actually make David Archuleta love you. You can only stalk him and hope for the best.
Just one more personal post-concert goodie here: One of my Las Vegas daughters called me on Saturday to see how I was managing the travel and if I had enjoyed the concert. I promised to send her a link of David singing âDonât Let the Sun Go Down on Me,â when I got home, and I did. She reported later to say that she had seen it (and loved it). She watched with her son, Eli, explaining to him that this was Grandmaâs favorite singer. At age 3, Eli is the youngest of our eighteen grandchildren. He watched the video all the way through and then insisted on watching it again.
Eli had to give me his own report via Facetime:
âGrandma, I saw your boy singing and it was really good so I wanted to see it again and Mom let me. He had a big stage and those little stages on the side. I liked those little stages for him.â
This fan journey and the âlittle stagesâ of Davidâs career have been more interesting and rewarding than I ever imagined they would be. David Archuleta and his music simply make me happy. I canât think of another way to say it. I wish him success in all facets of his life; he has certainly added goodness to mine.
In the Bleak Midwinter
The original poem, now called âIn the Bleak Midwinter,â is easily found online. It has five stanzas, and I have never heard a vocal version where the poem is used in its entirety. Artists and arrangers seem to pick and choose which lines they want to use, and that is what David has done.
The production on this song is unusual and really interesting. It begins with chimes and a Gregorian-like undertone that supports the opening lyrics: bleak, windy, cold, etc. This creates the visual of a physical setting for me, maybe something from the time period of the poet. I could imagine David in an old and beautiful but cavernous cathedral, perhaps pondering what it must have been like on that wintry night when Christ was born.
Random notes and a whole lotta perfects
So. #WinterIntheAir.
Soooooooooo excited for this album! And the EP!!!!
Love, love, LOOOOOOVEÂ 
.
David Archuleta and the Spectacular Spectacular
In order for me to manage walking, it was imperative for us to park as close as possible to the Marriott Center, so we went quite early to snag a spot. The lot was relatively empty, but we just stayed in the car, feet up, chatting, reading, relaxing⊠As I think about it now, we must have looked like a couple of confused senior citizens who had lost their way.
Just one more personal post-concert goodie here: One of my Las Vegas daughters called me on Saturday to see how I was managing the travel and if I had enjoyed the concert. I promised to send her a link of David singing âDonât Let the Sun Go Down on Me,â when I got home, and I did. She reported later to say that she had seen it (and loved it). She watched with her son, Eli, explaining to him that this was Grandmaâs favorite singer. At age 3, Eli is the youngest of our eighteen grandchildren. He watched the video all the way through and then insisted on watching it again.
