“Salve Virgo Singularis” • For Three Voices

Y CHOIR IS CURRENTLY learning a five-voice piece with homophonic chords. To complement that, I wanted something with major emphasis on counterpoint, and Rev’d Cristóbal de Morales is magnificent in that department. The text is profoundly powerful, and the English translation doesn’t quite capture the Latin; but no translation could. Something that got lost is the juxtaposition of “ante saecla” with “nunc.” In other words, at Holy Mass we are now adoring the same Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, & Divinity—Who was begotten before the ages in the heart of the Father. What a great mystery! Moreover, the author seemed particularly moved by the relationship between Mary and Jesus.

I have attempted to record all three voices to help choirs learn:

    * *  PDF • “Salve Virgo Singularis” (Morales)

REHEARSAL VIDEOS :

EQUAL VOICES : YouTube   •   Mp3 Audio

WOMEN : YouTube   •   Audio

TERTIUS : YouTube   •   Audio

MEN : YouTube   •   Audio

First Translation of the Refrain:

Hail, matchless Maiden, Maiden biding, God thou bearest. That begotten ere the ages from his Father’s heart let us worship now, created from his Mother’s flesh.	Sálve Vírgo singuláris: Vírgo mánens Déum páris, Ánte saécla generátum Córde Pátris: Adorémus nunc creátum Cárne Mátris.

Second Translation of the Refrain:

Hail Virgin most marvellous Who, remaining Virgin, bearest God Begotten before the ages In the heart of the Father. Let us adore Him Who took flesh From the Mother.	Sálve Vírgo singuláris: Vírgo mánens Déum páris, Ánte saécla generátum Córde Pátris: Adorémus nunc creátum Cárne Mátris.

The English translation of “Ave Maris Stella” is by Fr. Fortescue (d. 1923), and it’s excellent. I especially like his fifth verse.

By the way, ladies who enjoy singing low would sound nice added to the Tertius line, along with tenors who know how to sing with a “light” sound.