Ave maris stella

This is a setting of the well-known Marian antiphon Ave maris stella. The Latin text addresses Mary as the Star of the Sea, Mother of God, ever Virgin, and Gate of Heaven. It pleads for her intercession, asking her to transform Eve's name, loose the chains of the guilty, bring light to the blind, and drive away our evils. The choir is asked to show herself a mother, to receive our prayers through her, and to grant us a pure life. The hymn concludes with a doxology to the Trinity. Jan Le Febure's setting is for SATB choir. The music is intended to support the profound devotional sentiments of the text, moving from the initial plea for peace to the final aspirations for eternal joy.