Composer

:

Gregorian Chant

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chant

Average_duration

:

3:59

Stetit angelus, antiphon in mode 1 is a Gregorian chant that is believed to have been composed in the 9th century. The chant is often performed during the Christmas season and is associated with the story of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel appears to Mary to announce that she will give birth to Jesus. The chant is typically performed in a call-and-response style, with a soloist singing the opening phrase "Stetit angelus" and the choir responding with "Ad Mariam Virginem." The chant is characterized by its simple melody, which is based on a single mode and features a narrow range of notes. The chant is divided into two main sections, with the first section focusing on the angel's appearance and the second section focusing on Mary's response. The first section begins with the soloist singing "Stetit angelus" (the angel stood) and continues with phrases describing the angel's appearance and message, such as "in medio chori" (in the midst of the choir) and "ave gratia plena" (hail, full of grace). The second section begins with the choir responding to the soloist with "Ad Mariam Virginem" (to the Virgin Mary) and continues with phrases describing Mary's response to the angel's message, such as "ecce ancilla Domini" (behold the handmaid of the Lord) and "fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum" (let it be done to me according to your word). Overall, Stetit angelus is a simple yet powerful chant that captures the wonder and awe of the Annunciation story. Its use of a single mode and narrow range of notes gives it a sense of unity and coherence, while its call-and-response structure creates a sense of dialogue and interaction between the soloist and choir.

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