Song of the Day - 6th July

I have received another recording from one of my Beta choirs I would like to share with you today. 

25th March in the Christian calendar is the Feast of the Annunciation, which commemorates the visit of the archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, during which he informed her that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 

The poem I have set to celebrate this feast day is called The Annunciation by American poet Alfred Joyce Kilmer (1886 - 1918), known as Joyce Kilmer. As well as writing poetry, Kilmer was also a journalist, literary critic, lecturer, and editor. Kilmer enlisted in the New York National Guard and was deployed to France with the 69th Infantry Regiment (the famous "Fighting 69th") in 1917. He was killed by a sniper's bullet at the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918 at the young age of 31. He was posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre (War Cross) by the French Republic.

It is performed here by the 20-strong Heriot-Watt University Chamber Choir recorded in Currie Kirk, Currie on June 7th 2025. My thanks again to the choir members and in particular Matt Brown, the Director of Music at the University for his wonderful direction and interpretation.

This song would be perfect for any medium to large church choir as an anthem to celebrate this feast day.

The Annunciation

By Alfred Joyce Kilmer (Joyce)

(For Helen Parry Eden)

"Hail Mary, full of grace," the Angel saith.

Our Lady bows her head, and is ashamed;

She has a Bridegroom Who may not be named,

Her mortal flesh bears Him Who conquers death.

Now in the dust her spirit grovelleth;

Too bright a Sun before her eyes has flamed,

Too fair a herald joy too high proclaimed,

And human lips have trembled in God's breath.

O Mother-Maid, thou art ashamed to cover

With thy white self, whereon no stain can be,

Thy God, Who came from Heaven to be thy Lover,

Thy God, Who came from Heaven to dwell in thee.

About thy head celestial legions hover,

Chanting the praise of thy humility.