Gabriel's Message
Year: 1892
Written By: Edgar Pettman
'Gabriel's Message'
was adopted from a 16th century traditional Basque carol by English
composer Edgar Pettman in 1892 for his songbook 'Modern Christmas
Carols'. The carol tells the story of the event where the archangel
Gabriel tells the virgin Mary that she is soon to bear the baby
Jesus.
There have been
several choral renditions of 'Gabriel's Message' from distinguished
sources such as Westminster Cathedral Choir, the Choir of
Winchester Cathedral and King's College Choir of Cambridge but the
carol has had its fair share of takers from popular secular
artists. Charlotte Church's hugely successful 'Dream A Dream' album
of Christmas carols included her 'Gabriel's Message' which
highlighted her remarkable female soprano (she was 14 at the time
of the album's release in 2000). Sting recorded a version of
'Gabriel's Message' for his 'Russians' single in 1985 and the song
made it onto the charity album 'A Very Special Christmas' 2 years
later. The ex-Police singer did little to change the main thrust of
the tune but with a undercurrent of pummelling percussion his
vocals seemed entirely apt for the age old carol. Rock band Jars of
Clay toned down their instincts considerably for their reverential
treatment of the carol on their 2007 Christmas album 'Redemption
Songs'. It is a classy piece that is beautiful delivered. Moya
Brennan's 'An Irish Christmas' contained a version of 'Gabriel's
Message' that much like her back catalogue with Clannad had a
uniquely mystical quality.
Gabriel's Message Lyrics
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, Gloria!
"For know, 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, 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, Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel, the child, was born.
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say,
Most highly favoured lady. Gloria!
Gabriel's Message Christmas Videos (Click to Play)
Rate Different Artist Versions of Gabriel's Message
| Artist Name | Current Rating | Your Rating | Preview |
|---|
| Charlotte Church | | | |
| Jars of Clay | | | |
| Sting | | | |
| Cambridge Singers | | | |
| Patrick | | | |
| The Swingle Singers | | | |
| Choir Of King's College, Cambridge | | | |
| Hayley Westenra | | | |
| King's College Choir | | | |
| Moya Brennan | | | |
| Stephen Cleobury | | | |
| The Choir Of King's College, Cambridge | | | |
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