Ave maris stella

This devotional motet is suitable for services throughout the Marian year, and particularly during Advent and Lent. Orlando di Lasso sets the ancient Latin hymn Ave maris stella with a rich texture for ATBB voices. The text implores the Virgin Mary, Stella maris (Star of the sea), Mother of God, ever-Virgin, and Gate of Heaven, to grant peace and to change Eve's name, thus reversing the Fall. It asks her to free the guilty from their chains, bring light to the blind, and ward off evil, while beseeching her to show herself as a mother. The choir's clear enunciation of the Latin will be essential in conveying the prayer for purity and safe passage, leading to eternal joy with Jesus.