Gabriel to Mary Came

Early versions of the popular medieval carol, "Gabriel to Mary Came," can be found in at least six manuscripts dating from the late thirteenth to the mid-sixteenth century in England, France, and Ireland. The words first appeared in Latin ("Angelus ad virginem") as well as English ("Gabriel fram evene king), with subtle differences in the melody across the sources. A precious gift from Franciscan friars, this beloved carol was brought to Britain in the 13th century. The complete poem, which recounts the angel Gabriel's visit to the Virgin Mary, is said to have originally consisted of twenty-seven stanzas, each beginning with the consecutive letter of the alphabet. This new arrangement for SATB choir and chamber orchestra draws on both medieval and contemporary musical styles to enhance the telling of the annunciation story. Gabriel to Mary came, a gentle message telling. With his salutation glad, her maiden fears dispelling. There heaven and earth received his call: "Hail! Hail thou queen of virgins all; Thou yet undefiled shalt bear a Son to comfort all, a Child of sovereign grace. Thou shalt bear Him, Lord and God of all, to save our human race." "How shall this befall," said she, "to me, a virgin lowly? How can I deny the vows that bind me to be holy?" Then said the angel, "Mary, believe, God's Holy Ghost shall this achieve. So be not afraid but now rejoice, rejoice indeed, now ever in His sight. For thy trust shall be in His mercy, by God's exceeding might." Maid and mother of us all, who bore the gift God gave us, praise we now in earth and heaven thy Son, who came to save us. Pray now the Child and Lord of love, that He may hear in heaven above, and may succour and redeem us by his holy love, and save us when we roam, that by His good grace we make our place in heaven's eternal home. Alleluia!