This edition was prepared by Adrian Wall — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Assumpta est Maria
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets, Offertory Hymns
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATTB · David Fraser
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Assumpta est Maria by William Byrd — Lyrics
Assumpta est Maria in coelum:
gaudent angeli, collaudantes benedicunt Dominum,
alleluia.
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About Assumpta est Maria
William Byrd's Assumpta est Maria is a resplendent SATTB motet in Latin, belonging to the tradition of sacred polyphony. The text, drawn from the Offertory for the Feast of the Assumption, describes the Virgin Mary's ascension into heaven, her joy echoing the praises of the angels who welcome her and bless the Lord. The motet's second part continues this theme, depicting Mary being taken to the heavenly bridal chamber where Christ, the King of Kings, is seated upon a starry throne. Byrd masterfully captures the exultant, yet devotional, spirit of the text through rich vocal textures and expressive harmonic language, making it a profound statement of Marian devotion within the Renaissance sacred repertoire.
