Benedicta et venerabilis es

Philippe de Monte’s motet Benedicta et venerabilis es offers a sublime setting of a Marian text. This SATTB work in Latin would be appropriate for services during the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, or the Feast of the Annunciation, or indeed any occasion honouring the Virgin Mary. The text describes Mary’s blessedness and venerability, marvelling at her purity as she was found to be the Mother of the Saviour, God made man. It further rejoices in her role as the source of Christ, the Sun of Justice, and her perpetual virginity. Monte’s rich contrapuntal writing, typical of late Renaissance sacred polyphony, would allow a choir to explore the devotional message through sensitive phrasing and vocal colour.