Ave Maria draws upon centuries of Marian devotion in music. From the serene plainsong of the medieval period to the intricate polyphony of the Renaissance and the expressive Romantic interpretations, composers have long turned to setting this prayer in exploration of devotion, contemplation, and spiritual resonance.
Ave Maria is dedicated to Gregory Drott and the choir of St Stephen’s Church, Gloucester Road, London.
Latin Text:
Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum;
Benedicta tu in mulieribus,
Et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei,
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
Nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
Translation:
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee;
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
for SATB Choir
Score available from Composers Edition
