Benedicta et venerabilis, MH374

This sacred setting by Johann Michael Haydn is suitable for liturgical occasions. Written for SATB choir, the Latin text is taken from the Roman Catholic tradition and is a Marian antiphon. The words praise the Virgin Mary as the Mother of the Saviour, noting the miracle of the Incarnation where God became man within her virginal womb. The music would have been intended for use within the Mass or Divine Office, offering a moment of contemplative reflection on the role of Mary in salvation history. The piece provides an opportunity for a choir to engage with a rich theological text through expressive choral writing.