Mary Had a Baby

Although originating as a secular folksong, the text slowly gained a sacred interpretation and later became a “code spiritual.”  That is, its text is metaphorically attentive to Christ’s Nativity with focus on the Blessed Virgin while still signaling information to enslaved people about the Underground Railroad. Composed to incorporate authentic materials from the African-American spiritual repertoire, it also incorporates instrumental forces already typically present for Midnight Mass (flute and double bass) and not so typical (bongos): a wonderfully unique and inspired blend of instruments and choral singing sure to enliven any Christmas service.