This edition was prepared by Mick Swithinbank — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Felix namque
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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Felix namque by Jean Mouton — Lyrics
Felix namque es sacra virgo Maria et omni laude dignissima, quia ex te ortus est sol justitiae Christus Deus noster.
Ave regina caelorum, mater regis angelorum, Dominus tecum, mater pietatis, mater caritatis, mater veritatis.
O Maria flos virginum, velut rosa vel lilium, funda preces ad Dominum pro salute fidelium.
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About Felix namque
The words of this motet express the joy and veneration due to the Virgin Mary. It opens with a declaration of her blessedness, noting that Christ, the sun of justice, was born of her. The text continues with a series of salutations and prayers, calling her Queen of Heaven, Mother of Mercy, and Beauty of Jerusalem. These are classic Marian texts, suitable for use within the liturgy or as a devotional piece. Jean Mouton sets this rich Latin text for SATB choir, creating a polyphonic setting that would have been fitting for sacred occasions in the Renaissance. The homophonic sections contrast with more imitative passages, offering a varied and expressive musical experience.
