Prelude on "Heavenly Message" (PIED-DE-PORT)

This prelude comes from Bédard's collection of "Two Voluntaries on Hymn Tunes". PIED-DE-PORT is a Basque traditional melody harmonised by Patrick Wedd and is featured in the text of “Heavenly Message,” written by Paul Gibson in 1998.  

Here is the first stanza and refrain of “Heavenly Message”:

Heavenly message, brought by an angel,
Coming to lift the hopes of the earth;
Bringing to Mary humble and lowly,
God’s invitation to give the Christ birth.

Refrain:
Mary, we hail you, full of God’s favor,
Blessed are you, and blessed your Son;
He will be called the child of the highest,
Savior of all, the holy one.

This hymn reflects on the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel delivers God’s message to Mary, highlighting themes of divine favour and the anticipation of Christ’s birth.

Score: https://cheldar.ca/product/two-voluntaries-on-hymn-tunes/