|
Use: Marian, Advent, Christmas
Required Resources: Soloist or Unison Choir
Optional Resources: 3 handbells, organ
Language: English
Imagine a cloister … a solo voice … three tuned bells … a portative organ.
Now you're ready for Fiat!
Ursula Ramjit created a meditation on the Incarnation; both the melody and lyrics are hers.
The first of three strophes reads:
Fiat!
A maiden's shyly whispered word,
on angels' golden wingspans,
swiftly sped to heaven's inner sanctum,
wherein sat Our Lord
anxious to hear what Mary said.
This piece is very accessible — the vocal range is only one octave — and quite flexible.
It can be sung by a solo voice, a cappella, transposing that octave range as comfortable.
An understated organ accompaniment, mostly single long notes, fifths or octaves in treble clef, can optionally support the singer.
There is also a simple handbell part (three bells) that may be added.
A beautifully blended unison treble choir could certainly sing the vocal part, to great effect.
The medieval flavor, the modal style, the simple accompaniment, the mystic religious poetry — we could easily see Anonymous 4 singing this!
|