A Hymn to the Virgin

Britten, Benjamin (1913–1976)

Occasion:
Proper of Time → Advent → Fourth Sunday of Advent → Cycle A
Proper of Time → Advent → Fourth Sunday of Advent → Cycle B
Proper of Time → Advent → Fourth Sunday of Advent → Cycle C
Proper of Time → Christmas Season → The Nativity of the Lord → General
Proper of Time → Christmas Season → The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God
Commons → Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary → In Ordinary Time
Commons → Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary → In Advent
Commons → Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary → In Christmas Time
Commons → Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary → In Easter Time

Publication Information:
Boosey & Hawkes — OCTB1856 (1935)

Text Information:
Reference: Anonymous, ca. 1300

Lyrics: Of one that is so fair and bright Velut maris stella [as the star of the sea], Brighter than the day is light, Parens et puella [mother and daughter]: I cry to thee, thou see to me, Lady, pray thy Son for me, Tam pia [so holy], That I may come to thee. Maria! [Mary!] All this word was forlorn Eva peccatrice [because of sinful Eve], Till our Lord was y-born De te genetrice [of you, his mother], With ave it went away Darkest night, and comes the day Salutis [of salvation]; The well springeth out of thee. Virtutis [of virtue]. Lady, flow’r of ev’rything, Rosa sine spina [Rose without thorns], Thou bare Jesu, Heaven’s King, Gratia divina [by divine grace]: Of all thou bear’st the prize, Lady, queen of paradise Electa [chosen one]: Maid mild, mother Es Effecta [you are made].
Notes: SATB/SATB (choir vs. soloists, or double choir).
Submitted by: Brian Luckner    Added: Oct 28, 2021    Last updated: Jan 19, 2022