This is a joyful Canticle of Mary. In the text, Mary acclaims the Lord. When I started work on the Canticle of Mary I went to the dictionary to read about the word "acclaim" and discovered that the first definition of the word is "to salute with shouts or sounds of joy and approval." I loved this definition because it suggests that when Mary "acclaims" the Lord, she not only accepts the conception but she shouts her approval. I composed the music to reflect this resounding, noisy kind of joy . The vocal lines are straightforward and melodic - Mary 's "humble" acclamation. The instrumental music expresses jubilance, energy and celebration. The solo oboe represents exuberance and free spirit.