Composer

:

Pierre de la Rue

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:55

'Ave sanctissima Maria' is a sacred choral work composed by Pierre de la Rue, a Franco-Flemish composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 15th century, around the year 1490. It is a polyphonic composition, written for four voices, and is considered to be one of de la Rue's most famous works. The piece is believed to have been written for the Chapel of the Burgundian Court, where de la Rue was employed as a singer and composer. It is a setting of the Marian antiphon 'Ave Regina caelorum', which is traditionally sung during the season of Lent. The text of the antiphon is a prayer to the Virgin Mary, asking for her intercession and protection. The composition is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different section of the antiphon. The first movement is a setting of the opening words of the antiphon, 'Ave Regina caelorum', and is sung by the alto voice. The second movement is a setting of the words 'Salve radix sancta', and is sung by the tenor voice. The third movement is a setting of the words 'Mater misericordiae', and is sung by the soprano voice. The final movement is a setting of the words 'Vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra', and is sung by all four voices together. The composition is characterized by its rich harmonies and intricate polyphony. De la Rue makes use of imitative counterpoint, in which each voice takes turns singing the same melody, creating a complex web of interlocking melodies. The piece also features frequent use of suspensions, in which one voice holds a note while another voice moves to a dissonant note, creating a sense of tension and release. Overall, 'Ave sanctissima Maria' is a beautiful and expressive composition that showcases de la Rue's skill as a composer. Its intricate harmonies and complex polyphony make it a masterpiece of Renaissance choral music.

More....