Our Christmas carols come from many places and times. The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came originated in the Basque country between Spain and France, and has a lovely, mysterious feel.
The Angel Gabriel from heaven came,
his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
‘All hail,’ said he, ‘thou lowly maiden Mary,
most highly favoured lady.’
Gloria!
“For known a blessèd Mother thou shalt be,
all generations laud and honour thee,
thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold;
most highly favoured lady.”
Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
“To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said,
“My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name”:
most highly favoured lady.
Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ was born
in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas mom,
and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say
“Most highly favoured lady.”
Gloria!
Our piano-accompanied six-handbell arrangement of The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (hymn tune: GABRIEL’S MESSAGE) provides an opportunity to play as a two-bells-each trio. Another possibility is to play as a duet where one ringer plays four bells and the other (perhaps a younger/newer player!) plays two bells.
The six bells in the score are accompanied by piano; if you don’t happen to have an accompanist available, we also have an accompaniment MP3 available for purchase.
Bells used: Bb5, C6, Db6, Eb6, F6, G6
Key: C minor
Church Calendar: Christmas
Hymn tune: GABRIEL’S MESSAGE
Find metrically-matched hymn texts
Six Handbells with Piano Accompaniment: | ||
Score Package: | $10.00 US | |
Piano Accompaniment MP3: | $4.00 US |
Also available for 8 handbells.
Purchasing this 6-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to three copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment score) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
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