This edition was prepared by Jason Smart — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Ave Dei Patris
Staff Notation • Sacred, Votive antiphons
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Ave Dei Patris by Thomas Tallis — Lyrics
Ave Dei Patris filia nobilissima,
Dei Filii mater dignissima,
Dei Spiritus sponsa venustissima,
Dei unius et trini ancilla subiectissima.
Ave summae aeternitatis filia clementissima,
summae veritatis mater piissima,
summae bonitatis sponsa benignissima,
summae Trinitatis ancilla mitissima.
Ave aeterne caritatis filia desideratissima,
aeterne sapientiae mater gratissima,
aeterne spirationis sponsa sacratissima,
coaeterne maiestatis ancilla sincerissima.
Ave Jesu tuni filii filia,
Christi Dei tui mater alma,
sine ulla macula,
Deitatis ancilla sessioni proxima.
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About Ave Dei Patris
This setting of the Marian Votive antiphon Ave Dei Patris is by Thomas Tallis. The text addresses Mary as the most noble daughter, most worthy mother, most beautiful bride, and most humble handmaid of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and of the Trinity. Tallis composed this work for SATBB choir, with each voice part given considerable independence to explore the rich harmonic possibilities suggested by the devotional text. The Latin lyrics speak of Mary's unique relationship to the divine persons, praising her as daughter, mother, and spouse, and her ultimate service to God. The composer's masterful handling of the five-part texture allows for moments of great sonority alongside intricate, contrapuntal passages, reflecting the profound theological statements of the antiphon.
