Ave stella matutina

This is a four-part motet in Latin, sung by ATTB voices. The text is a Marian antiphon, beginning with a salutation to Mary as the morning star, princess and queen of the world. It praises her as the sole virgin worthy to be called so, setting up the shield of salvation against the enemy's weapons and carrying the title of virtue. The text draws parallels with biblical figures, likening her to Jesse’s rod and Aaron’s almond blossom, and the fleece wet with celestial dew while remaining dry. It then appeals to her for comfort in our earthly prison, before concluding with a plea to Mary, elect mother of God, to be our straight path to eternal joys of peace and glory.