The English-language hymn translation was made by English Anglican priest Sabine Baring-Gould (1834–1924).
In recent years, it has been performed by artists including Sting - but it works well as a congregational hymn, with or without accompaniment, provided you take time to learn the slightly unusual phrasing.
The unnamed tune that it is usually set to is based on a traditional Basque tune, arranged by Edgar Pettman and published in 1922.
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame
"All hail" said he "thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favoured maiden," Gloria!
For known a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honour thee,
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold
Most highly favoured maiden," Gloria!
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 maiden, Gloria!
Of her Emmanuel, the Christ was born
In Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn
And everyone throughout the world forever saved
Most highly favoured maiden, Gloria!
(Sometimes the last line in each verse is sung as "Most highly favoured lady, Gloria!)
In recent years, it has been performed by artists including Sting - but it works well as a congregational hymn, with or without accompaniment, provided you take time to learn the slightly unusual phrasing.
The unnamed tune that it is usually set to is based on a traditional Basque tune, arranged by Edgar Pettman and published in 1922.
Downloads
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Examples
Unaccompanied
Guitar-led band, professional recording
TV show performance, contemporary style
Singer, self-accompanied on guitar
Traditional choir, unaccompanied
Singer with backing track
Instrumental - piano
Lyrics
The angel Gabriel from heaven cameHis wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame
"All hail" said he "thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favoured maiden," Gloria!
For known a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honour thee,
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold
Most highly favoured maiden," Gloria!
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 maiden, Gloria!
Of her Emmanuel, the Christ was born
In Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn
And everyone throughout the world forever saved
Most highly favoured maiden, Gloria!
(Sometimes the last line in each verse is sung as "Most highly favoured lady, Gloria!)
A new arrangement and Lyric Video of this Advent Carol is now available on YouTube at https://billandchrispitcher.com/products/gabriels-message. Enjoy, and please share.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I've added it to the examples shown above.
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