The Song of Gabriel (2010)
For:
Mixed Chorus and String Orchestra
Mixed Chorus, Violin, and Piano (or) Organ
Year: 2010
Duration: 11’
First Performance: 7 December 2010 / Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, Brookfield, WI / Brookfield Central HS Chorus / Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra / Philip Olson
Text: Sabine Baring-Gould (adapted by the composer)
Dedication: “Commissioned by the BCHS Chorus, the Wisconsin Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Performing Arts, Brookfield, Wisconsin, 2010.”
Publisher: Peermusic Classical
By Leonardo da Vinci - Public Domain, Wikipedia.
Program Note:
The cantus firmus for this motet is a triple-meter presentation of Angelus ad virginem, a carol favored by 13th century Franciscan friars as found in the Dublin Troper (c.1360) and mentioned in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Miller’s Tale. Contrapuntally wound about the original carol in duple-meter is a treatment of the tune based on Edgar Pettman’s arrangement published in his Modern Christmas Carols (1892). The text is based on passages about the Annunciation from Luke (1.26-38) and the Magnificat (Luke 1.46-55) as paraphrased from Charles Bordes by Sabine Baring-Gould. The tune has yielded numerous treatments by folk and pop musicians—most recently one by Sting in the single, Russians (1985).
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.
“All hail” said he “thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favoured lady.” Sing Gloria!
“For know a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honour thee;
Thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,
Most highly favoured lady.” Sing Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;
“To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said.
“My soul shall laud and magnify God’s holy name.”
Most highly favoured lady.” Sing!
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
In Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk through-out the world will ever say:
“Most highly favoured lady.” Sing Gloria!
Amen.