Ave virgo gratiosa

Jean Le Bouteiller’s Ave virgo gratiosa sets a devotional Latin text in four-part choir (STTB). The opening phrases of the text invoke the Virgin Mary as gracious, the brightest star, glorious Mother of God, sweeter than honey, redder than the rose, and whiter than the lily. The composer responds with flowing melodic lines, creating a texture where the individual voices interweave to form a sonorous whole. The music builds towards a climactic Alleluia, reflecting the text's praise for Mary, whom all virtues adorn, all saints honour, and Jesus Christ exalts above all in heaven.