This edition was prepared by James Wetzel — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Ave maris stella
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
Preview
0
0
3 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
Ave maris stella by Edward Elgar — Lyrics
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,
Read full lyrics
About Ave maris stella
This sacred motet setting of the Marian antiphon Ave maris stella is ideal for liturgical occasions, particularly during Marian feast days or for general devotional services. Elgar's SATB arrangement brings the familiar Latin text to life, with the choir invoking the Virgin Mary as the 'star of the sea' and 'ever Virgin'. The music reflects the text's pleas for peace, guidance, and protection, portraying Mary as the 'gate of heaven' who can transform the name of Eve and alleviate the woes of sinners. The composer guides the singers through petitions for purity and a safe journey towards seeing Jesus, concluding with a trinitarian doxology. This setting offers a profound opportunity to express deep faith and veneration through rich choral sound.
