Ave maris stella

This setting of the famous Marian antiphon Ave maris stella opens by invoking Mary as the star of the sea, mother of God, ever-virgin, and gate of heaven. The text continues with a plea for peace, asking Mary to change Eve's name from sorrow to joy, to release the guilty from their chains, bring light to the blind, and drive away evil. The composer, Sebastián Durón, sets this profound Latin text for a large choir of SSAT.SATB, allowing for rich and varied choral textures. The music guides the listener through the prayer's progression, ultimately asking for a pure life and a safe journey, that we may rejoice in seeing Jesus. The work concludes with praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.