New Setting for Immaculate Mary
  • JulieCollJulieColl
    Posts: 2,465
    If anyone is looking for a new take on an old classic, you might consider substituting Andrew Carter's sprightly arrangement (Oxford University Press, 1978) of A Maiden Most Gentle for the standard arrangement Immaculate Mary (Lourdes Hymn).

    When I was listening to King's College Choir Christmas Carols last Christmas I realized that A Maiden Most Gentle was the same tune as Immaculate Mary. Thankfully, Sheet Music Plus carries both an SAA and SATB version with keyboard accompaniment. You may have to ask for the SATB version since I don't see it online right now but they had it a few week ago when I ordered it for our choir.

    I printed in the words from Immaculate Mary on the first (unison), second (in four parts) and last (unison) verses. There are five verses, but three are all we need. (The second verse has a wonderful SATB arrangement.)

    The best part about this arrangement is the exquisite keyboard counterpoint and the breathtaking descant on the final refrain. Good stuff.

    A recording of King's College Choir is here: ...
  • canadashcanadash
    Posts: 1,501
    We've done exactly this. It is useful because we use it for Christmas and it is flexible for other Marian feasts. We have five verses in our Catholic Book of Worship III and I use the verses I like best from the original and this revised text.
  • JulieCollJulieColl
    Posts: 2,465
    Two (or three) for the price of one. You can't beat that.

    We sure love that descant. My daughter has been singing it all week and picking it out on the piano and the recorder and on her mandolin.
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