Ave maris stella (2002)
SATB unaccompanied
A meditative setting, but with contrasting moods, of the traditional Latin text in praise of Mary, building from a simple unison line to rich harmonies.
Oxford University Press – in the anthology Cantica Nova (more details) and also available as a separate digital download here.
Link to a performance by the Erasmus Chamber Choir
Latin text:
Ave maris stella, Dei mater alma,
atque semper virgo, felix caeli porta.
Solve vincla reis, profer lumen caecis,
mala nostra pelle, bona cuncta posce.
Vitam praesta puram, iter para tutum,
ut videntes Jesum, semper collaetemur.
Sit laus Deo Patri, summo Christo decus,
Spiritui Sancto, tribus honor unos.
English translation:
Hail, star of the sea, kindly mother of God
and ever virgin, blessed gate of the sky.
Undo the chains of the guilty, bring light to the blind,
drive away our ills, ask for all good things.
Bestow a pure life upon us, prepare a safe way,
that, beholding Jesus, we may alway rejoice.
Praise be to God the Father, glory to Christ on high,
to the Holy Spirit, one honour to the three.