Alma Redemptoris Mater

This setting of the Alma Redemptoris Mater, a Marian antiphon sung from Advent to the Purification, is by Arcangelo Crivello. The composer sets the Latin text for double SATB choir, creating a rich and resonant sound. The text itself is a prayer to Mary, calling her the 'Mother of the Redeemer', the 'gate of heaven' and the 'star of the sea'. It asks for her help for a people striving to rise from falling, and recalls her miraculous conception of God's holy creator while nature looked on in wonder. The prayer concludes by reminding her of the angelic greeting and begging for mercy for sinners.