Ave Regina, CG 119

Charles Gounod's Ave Regina is a sacred motet for TTBB voices, setting a familiar Latin votive antiphon. This devotional text, traditionally sung in honour of the Virgin Mary, addresses her as Queen of Heaven and Lady of Angels, praising her unique role as the 'root' and 'gate' from which the world's light was born. The lyrics continue to extol her glorious beauty, bidding her farewell and asking her to pray for us to Christ. Gounod's setting, written for male choir, captures the solemnity and tender reverence of the text, offering a powerful and moving rendition of this ancient Marian prayer.