The Mystic Rose
Francisco Guerrero Ave Virgo Sanctissima
Cristóbal de Morales Ave Maria
Tomás Luís de Victoria Alma Redemptoris Mater a 8
Robert Parsons Ave Maria
William Byrd Assumpta est Maria
William Cornysh Salve Regina
Rafaella Aleotti Sancta et Immaculata Virginitas
Claudio Monteverdi Stabat Virgo Maria
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Regina Caeli a 8
Jean Lhéritier Beata dei genitrix
Josquin des Prez Recordare Virgo mater
Orlando Lassus Ave Regina Caelorum a 6
Robert White Magnificat
‘Our Lady, Star of the Sea’ and ‘The Mystic Rose’, were ancient names for the Virgin Mary who was central to worship in the Renaissance period. This programme explores some of the most glorious music written in her honour, spanning three centuries and four countries. The selection includes a setting of each of the four great Marian antiphons, seasonal hymns sung in praise of the Holy Mother throughout the church year, beautiful miniatures such as Morales’ Ave Maria, and William Cornysh’s glorious extended hymn of praise Salve Regina.