This cantata, which takes as its theme the Annunciation, contains arrangements of four medieval carols for SATB choir with instrumental accompaniment (ad lib) and for which I have provided singing translations with the intention of making these beautiful pieces more accessible to contemporary choirs and audiences. The remaining movements are original and contain a semi-dramatic triptych: there are settings of two scenes extracted from the medieval mystery plays with the text freely adapted for musical purposes. A third, central scene is for Mary alone, in which she sings the Magnificat from the Book of Common Prayer. In addition, there are two short instrumental sonatas and a setting for sopranos and altos of the 13th century lyric known as a hymn to the Virgin.
The work was created as a companion piece to the composer's English arrangement of Schütz' Christmas Story for a concert given by the Newbury Chamber Choir in December 2011. Although the cantata is designed to be performed as a whole, any sections from the work may be performed in any order.
Voices
Mary - soprano
The Angel Gabriel - tenor
Joseph - bass
Elizabeth - optional speaking role
Choir - SATB
Instruments
Flute, Horn, Violin, Viola, Cello, Harp
The vocal score provides choral parts for the carols and nos. 3, 5, 7 & 9 with keyboard reduction.
The Magnificat is also available in an arrangement for soprano solo & piano, and Of One That Is So Fair And Bright is available for sopranos & altos with harp accompaniment or for SATB with piano accompaniment
Duration: about 35 minutes
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