Ave Regina coelorum

Ottavio Vernizzi composed this setting of the Marian antiphon Ave Regina coelorum for double SATB choir. The text, a prayer to the Queen of Heaven, is a familiar and devotional Latin text from the medieval period, often sung at Vespers and Compline. Vernizzi's SACRED motet is written for eight voices, allowing for rich textural possibilities and a full, resonant sound. The double choir scoring enables antiphonal effects, with verses of the text sometimes answered or reinforced by the second choir. This is a substantial and impressive work, suitable for choirs looking to explore the polyphonic tradition of the Renaissance and early Baroque periods with a devotional Latin text.