Composer

:

John Taverner

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1990

Average_duration

:

13:54

'Ave Dei Patris filia' is a sacred choral work composed by John Taverner, a prominent English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the early 16th century, during the reign of King Henry VIII, and was likely written for use in the chapel of Cardinal Wolsey, who was a patron of Taverner's music. The work is written for four voices (SATB) and is in Latin. It is a setting of the antiphon "Ave Regina caelorum," which is a hymn to the Virgin Mary. The text of the antiphon is divided into four sections, each of which is set to music by Taverner. The premiere of 'Ave Dei Patris filia' is not known, but it is likely that it was first performed in the chapel of Cardinal Wolsey or in another prominent church or cathedral in England. The piece was likely performed during the liturgical season of Lent, as the text of the antiphon is associated with that season. The work is divided into four movements, each of which is characterized by its own unique musical style and mood. The first movement is a gentle and flowing setting of the first section of the antiphon, which praises the Virgin Mary as the daughter of God the Father. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with a driving pulse that reflects the text's exhortation to the Virgin Mary to "turn your merciful eyes towards us." The third movement is a slower and more contemplative setting of the third section of the antiphon, which asks the Virgin Mary to intercede for us with her son, Jesus Christ. The final movement is a joyful and exultant setting of the fourth section of the antiphon, which proclaims the Virgin Mary as the queen of heaven. Overall, 'Ave Dei Patris filia' is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases Taverner's skill as a composer of sacred music. Its use of different musical styles and moods to reflect the text of the antiphon makes it a rich and varied piece that is still performed and enjoyed by audiences today.

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