| Description: | Today, March 25th, is the Feast of the Annunciation. It is the Christian celebration of the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son through a virgin birth and become the mother of Jesus Christ.
Since I'm not fortunate to have a church position, my uploads really haven't been as "liturgical" as they once were. However, I'm still keenly aware of the liturgical calendar, observing the days privately.
This piece is new to me as an organ work, although I have heard the piano version before. It is found in the "Années de pèlerinage" III, S.163 - Years of Pilgrimage, and is dedicated to Daniela von Bülow.
The title of the work states that it is a prayer to the Guardian Angels, so, it's by no means a work specifically for the Annunciation.
However, the Angelus is said several times each day, and centers around Gabriel's visit to Mary. So, it seemed like a good last-minute choice, and I hope you will find it pleasing.
Bells are rung four times each day (6 AM, 12 noon, 6 PM & 12 midnight) to commemorate the occasion, and the Angelus prayer is said at that time. The text for the complete prayer is given below in the First Comment.
The work was transcribed for the organ by Fritz Volbach (1861 – 1940), a German conductor, composer and musicologist.
Despite the fact that the work achieves a grand climax, the entire mood is one of serenity and intimacy. The ringing of the bells is a wonderful touch, and translates nicely to the organ.
The score is attached below, as well as photo of Franz Liszt and one of Fritz Volbach. Also attached is a photo of Fra Angelico's famous fresco.
As I mentioned, the entire text for the Angelus is found below. |
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