Description

Published by Graphite Publishing

Ave Maris Stella is a rich, expansive setting of the ancient Latin hymn honoring Mary as the “Star of the Sea.” Composed for advanced treble voices, this a cappella work is both lush and intricate, offering a deeply expressive and musically rewarding experience for singers and listeners alike.

Though vocally challenging, Ave Maris Stella is crafted with care for the ensemble voice, encouraging sensitivity, blend, and emotional depth. Its soaring lines and dense textures invite choirs into a meditative, almost timeless space—one that rewards both technical precision and expressive singing. This piece is an offering of beauty and devotion, inspired by the enduring power of sacred poetry and the luminous strength of treble voices in unity.

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Performed by The Singers, Matthew Culloten, Artistic Director.

Text

Ave, maris stella,
Dei Mater alma,
Atque semper Virgo,
Felix caeli porta.

Sumens illud Ave
Gabrielis ore,
Funda nos in pace,
Mutans Evae nomen.

Solve vincla reis,
Profer lumen caecis,
Mala nostra pelle,
Bona cuncta posce

Monstra te esse matrem,
Sumat per te preces,
Qui pro nobis natus
Tulit esse tuus.

Virgo singularis,
Inter omnes mitis,
Nos culpis solutos,
Mites fac et castos.

Vitam praesta puram,
Iter para tutum,
Ut videntes Jesum,
Semper collaetemur.

Sit laus Deo Patri,
Summo Christo decus
Spiritui Sancto,
Tribus honor unus. Amen.

Translation:
Hail, star of the sea,
loving Mother of God,
and also always a virgin,
Happy gate of heaven.

Receiving that Ave
from Gabriel’s mouth
confirm us in peace,
Reversing Eva’s name.

Break the chains of sinners,
Bring light to the blind,
Drive away our evils,
Ask for all good.

Show yourself to be a mother,
May he accept prayers through you,
he who, born for us,
Chose to be yours.

O unique virgin,
Meek above all,
Make us, absolved from sin,
Gentle and chaste.

Keep life pure,
Make the journey safe,
So that, seeing Jesus,
We may always rejoice together.

Let there be praise to God the Father,
Glory to Christ in the highest,
To the Holy Spirit,
One honor to all three. Amen.

– English trans. by Allen H. Simon