This edition was prepared by Jason Smart — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Ave Dei Patris
Staff Notation • Sacred, Votive antiphons
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Ave Dei Patris by John Merbecke — Lyrics
Ave Dei Patris filia nobilissima,
Dei Filii mater dignissima,
Dei Spiritus sponsa venustissima,
Dei unius et trini ancilla subiectissima.
Ave summae aeternitatis filia clementissima,
summae veritatis mater piissima,
summae bonitatis sponsa benignissima,
summae Trinitatis ancilla mitissima.
Ave aeterne caritatis filia desideratissima,
aeterne sapientiae mater gratissima,
aeterne spirationis sponsa sacratissima,
coaeterne maiestatis ancilla sincerissima.
Ave Jesu tuni filii filia,
Christi Dei tui mater alma,
sine ulla macula,
Deitatis ancilla sessioni proxima.
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About Ave Dei Patris
John Merbecke's Ave Dei Patris is a votive antiphon, a genre often sung at Mass or Vespers, particularly in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Set for SATTB choir, its Latin text is a devotional poem praising Mary as daughter, mother, spouse, and handmaiden of the Persons of the Trinity, as well as of God himself. The composer uses rich, interwoven vocal lines to express the profound titles bestowed upon her in the text, creating a sonorous and reverent atmosphere suitable for liturgical occasions. The music reflects the solemnity and beauty of the devotional text, making it an effective choice for choirs seeking sacred Renaissance repertoire.
