Composer

:

Hermann Ruck

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:25

"Maria durch ein' Dornwald ging" is a German Christmas carol that was composed by Hermann Ruck in the early 20th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written around 1900. The carol is based on a traditional German folk song that tells the story of Mary walking through a thorn forest on her way to Bethlehem. The carol has four movements, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first movement describes Mary's journey through the thorn forest, where she is protected by the angels. The second movement tells of the shepherds who hear the angels singing and follow them to the manger where Jesus is born. The third movement describes the wise men who follow the star to Bethlehem and bring gifts to the baby Jesus. The final movement is a prayer to Mary, asking for her protection and guidance. The characteristics of "Maria durch ein' Dornwald ging" are its simple melody and harmonies, which make it easy to sing and remember. The carol is typically sung in a slow, reverent tempo, with a focus on the lyrics and the story they tell. The use of repetition in the lyrics and melody also adds to the carol's memorable quality. The carol premiered in Germany and quickly became popular throughout Europe. It has since been translated into many languages and is now sung around the world as a beloved Christmas carol. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its simple beauty and the timeless story it tells.

More....