Description
These three Medieval carols all date from the twelfth to the fourteenth centuries. They have been freely arranged for recorder ensemble.
Angelus ad Virginam is a popular carol telling the story of the Angel Gabriel and the annunciation. It was probably Franciscan in origin, but known in England during Chaucer’s time. Edi beo thu, hevene quene is a beautiful late thirteenth-century ‘gymel’ (English polyphonic song) in two parts, found in a manuscript at Llathony Priory in Gloucestershire. Verbum Caro Factum Est uses the biblical text fragment ‘The word was made flesh’ (John 1:14) as a refrain in this joyful twelfth-century song about the Virgin birth and the circle of life.
- A minimum of 7 players is required (S+Sno S/A A T T B Gb)
- The Descant 2/Treble 1 parts are essentially the same and may be played with either one or both instruments.
- The Descant 3 part is optional and may be used for beginners to join in. It can also be played on tenor.
- The Treble 2 part is also supplied in a transposed version to read in C.
- All Bass parts are supplied in both bass and treble clef; the Bass and Contrabass parts are also offered in transposed versions to read in C.
- The Contrabass part is optional.
- Percussion (tabour, finger cymbals, tambourine, etc) may be added ad lib for extra colour and rhythm.
Difficulty Level:
- The optional Descant 3 part has a limited range of notes and rhythms and is suitable for novice (pre-Grade 1) level players.
- All other parts are require some moderate dexterity and are around Grade 2-4+.
Sarah –
This piece was a big hit! It’s festive and atmospheric without being too ‘christmassy’ (so it would work all year round). I really liked how well balanced the parts were – everyone had a solo moment and something interesting to get their teeth into. The variety of parts given (different transpositions, clefs, etc) made it accessible for the whole group. Highly recommended!