Maria Walks Amid the Thorns

The German Advent carol Maria durch ein Dornwald ging has its origins as a song which would accompany a pilgrimage. Here, the text is set to an original melody. With child, Mary walks through a forest, perhaps on the way to visit Elizabeth. Where Mary passes, the dead thorns miraculously bloom with roses. Each verse ends with the supplication "Kyrie eleison." Quite fittingly, a soprano soloist or small ensemble is required.