About the piece
A Latin antiphon that greets the Virgin as “Mother of the Redeemer”, gate of heaven and star of the sea. This plainchant edition has 11 measures in modern notation.
How to prepare it
It is sung in unison and unaccompanied, with a free rhythm that follows the text. The range is C4–D5 (a major ninth), so the choir should tune together from the first note. Rehearse the Latin spoken first, with clear vowels, then add the melody and let the stress of each word shape the phrasing. Breathing between phrases, not inside them, is what gives it its calm.
When to use it
It is the Marian antiphon proper to Advent and the Christmas season, and it is often sung at the end of the celebration. It also works as a closing chant on feasts of the Virgin.