Basque carol, trans. Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924  (arr. Dean Jones)

Age 9 to 12+ yrs  -  KS2 & KS3  -  unison or 3-part harmony (2m 50s)

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Download includes  –  Piano-vocal score, lyrics sheet, mp3 demo & backing tracks

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Theme  –  The Annunciation

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Content  –  The Angel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary and tells her the amazing news that she is give birth to the Son of God. Dean Jones' arrangement brings a fresh feel to this much-loved Christmas carol and the modulation into the final verse provides a lovely finish.

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Lyrics Sample

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. Gloria!

‘For know a blessed Mother thou shalt be.

All generations laud and honour thee...

...

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head.

‘To me be as it pleaseth God’, she said,

‘My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name.’

Most highly favoured lady. Gloria!

Of her, Emmanuel the Christ, was born

In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn.

And Christian folk throughout the world

will ever say: ‘Most highly favoured lady.’

Gloria! Gloria! Gloria!

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This song features in '9 Carols & Readings for Choirs'