(Listen to choir recording here…with lyrics)
haunting winter hymn
lo, how a rose e’er blooming
flute plays minor key
photo copyright: kanzensakura (used with permission)
This traditional Christmas carol sings a haunting melody, particularly when breathed through a flute. The flowing hymn hearkens back to Cologne, Germany in the 16th century during an evening snowfall. A high Renaissance tune which switches from solemnity to dance-like quality and back again, in half-frozen syncopation.
Originally sung in adoration of the virgin’s purity, Lutherans (ever reforming!) later tweaked the words to change its focus to Jesus Christ. As the hope of Israel, he fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah, appearing as the Branch, a stem from Jesse’s root, and the Rose of Sharon.
A rose in winter…totally unexpected and glorious!
Thanks to Toni for hosting the haibun prompt at dVerse and sharing the lovely photo of her mature quince tree blooming prematurely.
a poem in my pocket 
Jan 20, 2016 @ 22:01:34
Beautifully written, and evocative.
Jan 20, 2016 @ 22:08:16
Thank you for your kind comment 🙂
Jan 13, 2016 @ 10:38:54
I’m not familiar with the Carol, but I love it when knowledge can be shared through poetry; a technique I use myself. I love first the research, then the sharing & fellowship.
Jan 13, 2016 @ 22:14:27
Thanks, I agree! and I added a link to an audio recording if you’d like to hear it.
Jan 12, 2016 @ 12:23:02
You taught me new things in a beautiful way and then the haiku…. wonderful
Jan 12, 2016 @ 12:08:27
I’ve played this carol much this season. It’s one of my favorites. We sang it in 4th grade for a Christmas program. In the 50s many new Christmas songs were introduced each year which made the ‘hit parade’. It was always a good surprise..from Little Drummer Boy to Frosty the Snowman. I remember running home to tell my mother that year to tell her it was the Rose song…it sounded dark and mysterious like a dark rose blooming in the snow. She said it hadn’t been on the radio. When I got the sheet music years later, I was secretly embarrassed to find the melody dated to the early Roman empire and the words were later…but not in 1951…ha.
Jan 12, 2016 @ 14:54:58
I enjoyed your story, Gay! An ancient melody but still loved…and the lyrics are poetic.
Jan 12, 2016 @ 10:01:31
I do love this hymn and have a strong leaning toward music in the minor key. I smiled at the Lutherans…ever reforming.Refreshing!
Jan 12, 2016 @ 10:27:32
🙂