This lively arrangement of the ancient carol is a wonderful addition to a holiday program. Accessible, chant-based voice leading and manageable ranges make this piece a great choice for developing TB choirs but retains enough depth for top level groups as well. A perfect concert opener!

Composer’s Notes

The Salutation Carol has been my favorite Annunciation setting since finding it on an early music LP during college. The optional drum part can help the song set the stage as a processional or opening number. At least seven verses are extant, providing a very detailed exchange between the angel Gabriel and Mary, the mother of Jesus, but I’ve selected the most pertinent verses and updated the notation to make the piece more accessible to mainstream choirs.

The piece may be sung up or down a half step.

– Gary Ruschman (2019)

Text

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell!
This is the salutacion of Angel Gabriel!

Tidings true there be come new,
Sent from the Trinity
By Gabriel to Nazareth,
City of Galilee:
A clean maiden and pure virgin,
Through her humility
Hath concievéd the person
Second in deity.

“Hail, Virgin Celestial,
the meek’st that ever was:
Hail, Temple of Deity and
Mirror of All Grace.
Hail, virgin pure, I thee ensure
Within full little space
Thou shalt receive and Him conceive
That shall bring great solace!”

Then again to the angel
She answered womanly:
“Whatev’r my Lord command me do,
I will obey meekly.”
“Ecce sum humilima ancilla Domini;
Secundum verbum tuum,”
She said. “Fiat mihi.”*

*English Translation:
“I am the most humble handmaid of the Lord, Let it be done to me according to Thy word”

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