Composer

:

Christmas Traditional

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Carol

Compose Date

:

ca. 1582

Average_duration

:

2:52

Gabriel's Message is a traditional Christmas carol that is believed to have originated in the Basque region of Spain. The carol is based on the biblical story of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel appears to Mary to tell her that she will give birth to Jesus. The carol is also known as "The Angel Gabriel" and "Birjina gaztettobat zegoen" in Basque. The exact date of the composition of Gabriel's Message is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the 13th century. The carol has been passed down through generations and has been translated into many languages. Gabriel's Message has a simple melody and is typically performed in a slow and reverent manner. The carol is usually sung in four-part harmony, with the melody sung by the sopranos and the other parts sung by the altos, tenors, and basses. The carol is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with the words "The angel Gabriel from heaven came," and tells the story of the Annunciation. The second movement begins with the words "And Mary, meekly bowed her head," and describes Mary's acceptance of the angel's message. The third movement begins with the words "Most highly favored lady," and praises Mary for her role in the birth of Jesus. Gabriel's Message is characterized by its simple melody, reverent tone, and focus on the biblical story of the Annunciation. The carol is often performed in churches and other religious settings during the Christmas season.

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