In this version of the Basque carol, Gabriel’s Message, the angel Gabriel, and Mary have been cast as solo voices, with the rest of the choir taking on the role of narrator.

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The arrangement is for 3-part choir - S, A, and Unison Lower Voices. There are two solo lines, 'Gabriel' and 'Mary'. In this arrangement the accompaniment is for piano but there is also a version for harp. 

 

Text:

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 known a blessed mother thou shalt be,

All generations laud and honour thee,

Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,

Most highly favoured lady.’ 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 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!