Philip Le Bas Music: The Seven Joys of Mary (2 versions)

Choral, Instrumental and Chamber Music Compositions and Arrangements

Welcome to this portfolio of musical compositions and arrangements, and thank you for your interest!

In the right-hand column beneath here you should see an alphabetical list of works. You can also choose a list of works with a particular label. Alternatively, you can search for a keyword. (Transcriptions and unpublishable works are listed in a page linked at the bottom, if you are interested.) The files here are all freely available. They do carry copyright, but feel free to adapt and/or perform them as you wish, as long as you print/acknowledge the originator (me!) It is always nice to hear from you if you use any of these compositions and arrangements (my email: philiplebas@gmail.com), but this is not a requirement. My main hope, as for many composers, is simply that the works are performed and appreciated. Happy music-making!

Philip

Key to linked files:

pdf = printed score or parts
mp3 = sound file
midi = midi sound file
mxl = compressed MusicXML source file
sib = Sibelius source file, mostly in Sibelius 8 or Sibelius Ultimate format

sib 6 = Sibelius version 6 source file

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Version 1
Scoring: SABar choir and piano (+ optional flute, clarinet, horn and bassoon)

Date: 2019
A new setting of the ancient carol "The Seven Joys of Mary" (or "Joys Seven", or a variety of other possible titles.)
Since medieval times the number of "Joys of Mary" has varied between five, seven, ten and twelve, but the the current number of seven has become popular, especially since the basic harmonization of R.R. Terry published in 1833 and the contemporary version for 8-part choir by Stephen Cleobury in the OUP's "Carols for Choirs" series. (A history of the carol can be found in the New Oxford Book of Carols, edited by H Keyte and A Parrott, p.462f.)
The versions presented here are kept relatively simple to perform, being scored only for three-part choir (SABar - soprano, alto, baritone) and piano, but with plenty of interest including changes in voicing, changes of rhythm (especially verse 6) and two key changes. The optional instruments provide extra variety and colour. The arranger hopes performers and listeners will find the carol energetic and fun! It should certainly be sung in that spirit!
Although often associated with Christmas, it could in fact be performed in any season, including Easter, referring as it does to the whole life, death and resurrection of Christ.

Links: pdf (score) - pdf (parts) - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Video Score:

Version 2
Scoring: SABar choir and piano (+ optional flute and clarinet)

Date: 2019 (updated 2023)
(See below for an Easter Sunday live recording )

Links: pdf (full score) - pdf (parts) - pdf (vocal score) - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6
Video Score:

YouTube Practice Video Scores:
Full version
Sopranos
Altos
Baritones

Live performance at Seal Church, Easter Sunday 2019: mp3

Words:

1 The first good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of one;
To see the blessed Jesus Christ,
When He was first her son.
When he was first her son, good man;

R: And blessed may he be;
Both Father, Son and Holy Ghost
To all eternity.

2 The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of two;
To see her own Son Jesus Christ,
To make the lame to go.
To make the lame to go, Good man;
R:

3 The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of three;
To see her own Son Jesus Christ,
To make the blind to see.
To make the blind to see, Good man;
R:

4 The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of four;
To see her own Son Jesus Christ
To read the Bible o'er.
To read the Bible o'er, Good man;
R:

5 The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of five;
To see her own Son Jesus Christ,
To raise the dead to life.
To raise the dead to life, Good man;
R:

6 The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of six;
To see the blessed Jesus Christ
Upon the Crucifix.
Upon the Crucifix, Good man;
R:

7 The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of seven;
To see her own Son Jesus Christ
To wear the crown of Heav’n.
To wear the crown of Heav’n, good man;
R:

Philip Le Bas Music

Choral, Instrumental and Chamber Music Compositions and Arrangements

The Seven Joys of Mary (2 versions)

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