Ave Maria, Mater Dei

These Latin words address Mary as Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, and Lady of the World. The text implores her mercy for the singer and all Christians, asking her to protect them from sin and guide them to fulfill God's will. William Cornysh sets this votive antiphon for four voices, alternating between AATB and ATTB configurations. The music likely dates from the Tudor period in England, a time of rich sacred polyphony. The composer, a prominent figure in English music of his day, crafts a setting that reflects the solemnity and devotional intensity of the text.