Ave Regina caelorum a 5

This soaring five-part motet by Tomás Luis de Victoria sets the Ave Regina caelorum text, a beautiful votive antiphon to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Usually sung after Compline from the Feast of the Nativity to Holy Week, it addresses Mary as Queen of Heaven and Lady of Angels. The composer’s rich SAATB voicing creates a complex, devotional soundworld, perfect for liturgical settings or concerts. The text, which speaks of Mary as the root and gate from which light has sprung into the world, continues with joyful acclamations of her unique beauty and grace, asking her to intercede for us. Victoria's masterful handling of the Latin text and his expressive harmonic language make this a deeply moving choral work.