HEN I WAS YOUNG I never viewed the Blessed Virgin Mary as a great source of inspiration for composition. How wrong I was. Mary has been an enormous artistic inspiration to me. Aside from the fact that the rosary was a big part my life growing up, I believe it was Mary’s “Yes!” to God that is the overwhelming inspiration. I have no words to express this gift of “Yes!” to us all. Let music express this joy instead.
Some of these have been featured (even more than once) on this blog, but I leave offer it here for meditation and perhaps inspiration:
Ave Maria, Performed around the world by the American Boychoir – score available for digital download with RJC Cecilia Music
* * 1 • YouTube: Ave Maria | SSAT | The American Boychoir, Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, Director
* * 2 • YouTube: Ave Maria | TTBB | Schola Cantorum Sanctorum Angelorum, Andrew Leung, Director
Gaudens Gaudebo – I Will Greatly Rejoice!, performed by organist, Rosalind Mohnsen at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D. C. Based on the Introit for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, this work also includes several Marian themes quoted throughout.
Score available for digital download with RJC Cecilia Music
Finally, another setting of Ave Maria from a larger nine movement work, called “Woman.” This movement was performed by the Seraphim Singers.
Score available for digital download with RJC Cecilia Music
