Angelus ad Virginem (12 Pos)

Angelus ad Virginem (12 Pos) (This hymn about the Annunciation of Christs birth by the angel to the Virgin Mary dates from the 14th century and must have been well known as it was referred to by Chaucer in the Millers Tale. The English style of the time is noteworthy for its smoothness of melodic movement and its sequences of parallel 6ths and 3rds, unlike the more severe harmonic style of open 4ths and 5ths prevalent in Europe. The original setting, with the melody in the middle of 3 parts, is presented at the opening of this arrangement. The next verse has the melody in a solo part supported by a throbbing cup-muted harmony and the third has a fuller, chorale-like treatment. A short coda follows with a canonic use of the opening lines and then a last breath of the pulsing cup-mute figures. Performance notes: The first verse may be played at a slight distance from the main group, the players returning as soon as it is finished, to their normal position. Be careful to balance the sound and volume of the cup-muted music. It can be gentle when accompanying but may need to be more projected in soli passages due to the quietness of the sound. Make sure the style is always cantabile, especially as the music reaches its climax; do not play the forte too strongly, it should be warm but not over-stated.)