Music memory

Dr. Brandy Cope poses with her guitar in her Pre-K3 classroom at St. Martin de Porres Catholic School in Prosper. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)

This reflection is one of eight written by musicians from across our diocese as part of Songs of the Seasons, a series celebrating the beauty and meaning of Christmas music. Follow along the series [here]!

Seventh Day in the Christmas Octave: A perspective on Christmas music from Dr. Brandy Cope, music teacher, St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, Prosper

I have a master of music and doctor of musical arts from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During my education, I studied the oboe, voice, and piano. I regularly play piano, guitar, ukulele, and recorder during my school days. I also occasionally play English horn and bagpipes.

I have worked professionally in performance and teaching, from private lessons to college classes.

Simple and meaningful

“In the Bleak Midwinter” is one of my favorite Christmas hymns. The poem was written by Christina Rosetti around 1872. The primary musical settings of the poem are by Gustav Holst and Harold Drake. The Holst setting is my personal favorite and is often labeled in hymnals as the “Cranham” hymn-tune; named after Cranham, Gloucestershire where Holst lived for many years. 

I enjoy the Holst musical setting because it is more friendly towards congregational singing. I would describe the melody as austere and contemplative. The simpleness of the music provides space to reflect on the meaning of the text. I love that Holst’s setting makes participating in such a beautiful work more accessible to a congregation. 

His humility

I am always struck by the second verse of the hymn. This verse speaks of both the power and humility of Christ. A God whose power is so great that “heaven cannot hold Him nor Earth sustain” yet He is willing to be born in a stable on our behalf. 

“Our God, heaven cannot hold Him,
nor Earth sustain;
heaven and Earth shall flee away
when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter
a stable place sufficed
the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.”

Family tradition 

Every year, my family enjoys decorating Christmas cookies together and listening to Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite.” I was in ballet as a child and the music of the ballet was always very special to me and today it brings back so many fond memories. One of the beautiful things about the orchestral suite is how conversation arises so naturally when we aren’t competing for the lyrics of a song. 

Mary’s lullaby

Considering Jesus as a baby makes His humanity seem so much more real. So many Christmas hymns have lullaby-like qualities such as smooth, flowing melodies and gentle accompaniments. 

Christmas hymns often evoke images of a mother singing to her child. These songs paint a picture of Mary being a mother to a very real child, to whom she likely sang as she held Him. Many people treat the Nativity story like a fairytale, but the idea of mother and child connects to our humanity.

To love Christmas music

As a music teacher, I feel like loving Christmas music should be part of the job description. We are often planning, preparing, and practicing music for the Christmas season months in advance. Having a love for the music of the season and an understanding of the impact it has on so many people helps keep the excitement alive during the time of preparation.

I try to be impartial towards older versus newer hymns. Musical tastes and styles have changed over the years, but as long as the message of the Gospel remains the same, the music will accomplish its purpose.

Editor's Note: This excerpt has been edited for brevity and clarity by the editor.

By Dr. Brandy Cope, music teacher, St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, Prosper