This edition was prepared by Allen Garvin — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Ave Trinitatis sacrarium
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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5 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Ave Trinitatis sacrarium by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina — Lyrics
Ave Trinitatis sacrarium.
Ave mundi sanctuarium.
Ave virtutum viridarium.
Ave Virgo virginum.
Salve lux orta luminum:
gaude media Dei et hominum,
stella clara navigantium,
scutum forte militantium,
stola candida triumfantium.
Magna virginitate.
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About Ave Trinitatis sacrarium
The contrapuntal writing in this SATTB motet by Palestrina immediately draws the singer into a rich sonic world. The Latin text, a Marian antiphon, is treated with the composer’s characteristic clarity and reverence. Beginning with an invocation to Mary as the 'sanctuary of the Trinity' and 'sanctuary of the world', the music unfolds through a series of appositives, each presenting Mary in a different light – as 'garden of virtues', 'virgin of virgins', 'star of navigators', 'shield of soldiers' and 'robe of the triumphant'. The text expands on her unique attributes, highlighting her virginity, humility, and charity, and her immaculate state before, during, and after the birth of Christ. The motet concludes with a direct plea: 'Pray for us'.
