- Duration: 4 minutes
- Soloist(s): Baritone
- Chorus: SATB
- Instrumentation: Harp, small string orchestra
- Published by: Novello & Co Ltd
From the Number One selling album Angel, this third movement from the Archangel Suite depicts the archangel Gabriel. The Annunciation marks the very beginning of the Christian Faith. Gabriel, the messenger (sung by a baritone), delivers his world-changing message to Mary with an air of quiet authority. The piece is full of the Christmas spirit.
Gabriel
Hear the herald of God’s new age,
Hear the hope of good news,
Hear the name above every name,
This name, the prince of all names.
Hear the name of Jesus,
Saviour of the world,
Come and with your hearts and lips adore.
Sweetest Lady, Hear the Word.
Highly favoured, full of grace and love.
A sword will pierce
your own heart and soul,
Your journey will be alone:
You will part in the dark of noon
And by the cold of a tomb.
Then your child shall rise again
And empty will be the tomb.
Jesus is the hope of every dawn.
At his name all knees shall bow
And confess Him King of Glory now.
Hear the herald.
Hear the hope of good news.
Libretto: Andrew Hawes (1954 – )