Angelus Ad Virginem
SATB choral/organ score
PEL2058-Choir and Organ
A WORK FOR SATB CHOIR AND ORGAN
The text of PEL2058 'Angelus Ad Virginem' describes the 'Annunciation', the visit of Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, where the angel presents Mary with a white lily and announces to her that she is to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Paul Halley's arrangement sets the unison chant from the 13th century (Arundel MS) in alternating verses between higher voices and lower voices. The organ accompaniment forms a rich background of harmony, and the glorious Halley descant on the last verse adds to the shimmering quality of the moment. The piece ends quietly, with long reverberance echoing the phrase from Luke 2:19, “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." A couple of hand-bells (optional) will add to the medieval atmosphere of the setting. A great choice for a choir processional.
Commissioned by Robert Cooper, Director of The Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir for the choir's 2003 Christmas Concert.
Video
Notes
Included in the Pelagosmusic recording "What Child Is This?", with Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus, directed by Paul Halley (PEL1005).
Texts
Angelus ad Virginem
Words and music: Late 13th cent. Latin
from the Arundel Manuscript attrib. Philip the Chancellor
Arranged Paul Halley
Angelus ad Virginem
Subintrans in conclave,
Virginis formidinem
Demulcens, inquit, ‘Ave!
Ave, Regina Virginum;
Coeli terraeque Dominum
Concipies et paries intacta
Salutem hominum;
Tu porta coeli facta,
Medela criminum.’
‘Quomodo conciperem
Quae virum non cognovi?
Qualiter infringerem
Quod firma mente vovi?’
‘Spiritus Sancti gratia
Perficiet haec omnia;
Ne timeas, sed gaudeas, secura
Quod castimonia
Manebit in te pura
Dei potentia.’
Ad haec virgo nobilis
Respondens inquit ei:
‘Ancilla sum humilis
Omnipotentis Dei.
Tibi coelesti nuntio,
Tanti secreti conscio,
Consentiens, et cupiens videre
Factum quod audio;
Parata sum parere,
Dei consilio.’
Translation:
An angel came secretly to the Virgin
and calming her fears said to her:
‘Hail! Hail, queen of virgins,
You will conceive and give birth
to the Lord of heaven and earth,
the Savior of mankind.
You are the gateway of Heaven,
a cure for wrongs.’
‘How shall I conceive,
knowing not a man?
How shall I be constant to my vows?’
‘The grace of the Holy Spirit
will accomplish these things.
Fear not, but rejoice,
for the power of God
will keep you chaste.’
To this the illustrious maiden
Replied and said to him:
‘I am the humble servant
of Almighty God.
From you, his heavenly messenger,
I receive this mystery.
I long for it to come to pass
and I am ready to do God’s will.’
Reviews
"I am particularly thrilled with the arrangements of What Child Is This, Angelus Ad Virginem and Watts’ Cradle Hymn. Altogether first rate singing and accompaniment."
- Richard Gladwell, 'With Heart And Voice' NPR
