This anthem was created for the choir of the American Church in Paris. The ancient Latin text is sung as a refrain by the choir, "Ave Maria, dulcissima Maria, vera spes et vita!" The soprano soloist interperses an annunciation text chanted in English, "The angel Gabriel from heaven came.…" Reverent and sonorous but manageable even by a modest-sized choir.
Voicing & Instruments: Soprano Solo, SATB Chorus unaccompanied
Liturgical Year: Advent, Annunciation
Composer/Arranger: Gramann, Fred