With its irregular and often syncopated rhythms, this unaccompanied work for SATB makes an unusual and lively choice of work for Christmas or or any Feast of the Virgin Mary. The text, by St John of the Cross, concerns the Angel Gabriel being sent to tell Mary she will be the mother of Jesus. The title, which translates as ‘And she was called Mary’, is repeated to form an ongoing ostinato over which the sopranos sings the text.