Ave Sanctissima

Pierre de la Rue was a prolific composer of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, known for his sacred polyphony and secular chansons. This motet, Ave Sanctissima, is a setting of a Latin text in praise of the Virgin Mary. Addressing her as Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, Gate of Paradise, and Lady of the World, the text highlights her unique purity as a virgin who conceived Jesus from the Holy Spirit. The composer was a master of vocal writing, and this setting for SSTTBB voices allows for rich harmonic textures and expressive counterpoint. The choir director will find this motet a powerful and devotional addition to a sacred repertoire.