Hail, thou that art highly favoured

Mason Chadwick Shefa sets the familiar Latin text of the Ave Maria, familiar to generations of church musicians. The opening lines, "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb," are treated with a profound sense of reverence. This setting for double choir (SATB.SATB) offers a rich and resonant sound, creating an atmosphere of devotion and awe. The composer's skill in handling this sacred text is evident in the carefully crafted vocal lines and the expansive harmonic language. It is a substantial anthem suitable for a dedicated choir seeking to explore a moving and spiritually uplifting work.