This edition was prepared by John Hetland — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Ave nobilissima creatura
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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Ave nobilissima creatura by Josquin des Prez — Lyrics
Ave nobilissima creatura,
humillima virgo Maria,
est tibi quasi osculum
hunc audire versum angelicum:
Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum.
Ergo ad imaginem tuam accedo,
genua flecto, osculum imprimo,
ave Maria dico.
o domina gloriae, 0 regina laetitiae,
angelorum domina, virginum gemma,
omniumque sanctorum justitia,
peccatorum consolatrix,
infirmorum curatrix,
errantium revocatrix,
desolatorum auxiliatrix,
mea promptissima adj utrix,
virgo sancta Maria.
Tibi, domina gloriosa,
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About Ave nobilissima creatura
Josquin des Prez's Ave nobilissima creatura is a sacred motet for six voices (SAATTB). The composer crafts a rich texture, moving from homophonic passages to imitative counterpoint, creating a devotional atmosphere. The Latin text addresses the Virgin Mary, hailing her as the noblest of creatures, the most humble maiden, and offering her a kiss like an angelic greeting. It invokes her as Queen of Joy, mistress of angels, and the bestower of justice and comfort to all. The prayer concludes with a plea for Mary's protection of body and soul, asking her to guard the singer from all evils and to assist them steadfastly at the hour of death.
