15th Century (E-L)
Choral level of difficulty: 3 (5 greatest)
This attractive carol for upper voices (SSA) sets a traditional English 15th century Christmas text about the Angel Gabriel visiting Mary to tell her that she is carrying Jesus. The wonderful artistry of the poem which sees Mary ‘sore abashed lest she had done amiss’ has Gabriel reassuring her and trying to explain when she claims ‘I know not of a man’s carnality’. All is then rejoicing.
MacMillan’s setting was commissioned by the Hope Scott Trust (supporting music and the visual arts in Scotland) to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2012. He follows the verse pattern of the poem with each verse starting in a similar, but by no means always the same, way but then developing into something different with each verse. This is a joyful and wonderfully imaginative carol which will be thoroughly enjoyed by choirs of children or adults.
The challenges are in the constantly changing meter which requires both a confident conductor as well as attentive singers. The notes are not difficult but the shifting moods of the verses need to be carefully realized (the carol is some six minutes in duration and needs this variety and colour). The semiquavers in all parts at the end need serious work for clarity and accuracy.
This is a carol which would be an excellent foil to all the SATB material we are used to in Christmas concerts and carol services.
Repertoire Note by Paul Spicer
