Benedicta es, caelorum regina
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
4 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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Benedicta es, caelorum regina by Josquin des Prez — Lyrics
About Benedicta es, caelorum regina
Josquin des Prez's Benedicta es, caelorum regina is a grand motet for a large choir, scored for ATTTBB and SAATBB voices. Composed in Latin, it belongs to the sacred tradition of Renaissance polyphony. The text is a Marian antiphon, praising the Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, and a medicine for the sick. It addresses her as the star of the sea, mother of God, and sister to Him, sanctified by God the Father. The motet reflects on the Incarnation, stemming from the angel Gabriel's greeting, Ave plena gratia, and Mary's response. It concludes with a plea for her to intercede with her son, Jesus, to remove our guilt and grant us a place in heaven.