Ave Maria…Virgo Serena, by Josquin des Prez
Listening Guide
Embedded Files
Composer: Josquin des Prez
Composition: Ava Maria…Virgo Serena
Date: c. 1485, possibly Josquin's earliest dated work
Genre: motet
Form: through-composed in sections
Translation: Available at the following link: http://unam-ecclesiam.blogspot.com/2007/10/another-beautiful-ave-maria-by-josquin.html
Performing Forces: four-part choir
What we want you to remember about this composition:
- The piece is revolutionary in how it presented the imitative weaving of melodic lines in polyphony. Each voice imitates or echoes the high voice (soprano).
Other things to listen for:
- After the initial introduction to Mary, each verse serves as a tribute to the major events of Mary's life—her conception, the nativity, annunciation, purification, and assumption. See above translation and listening guide.
Timing
Timing
Performing Forces, Melody, and Texture
Performing Forces, Melody, and Texture
Text and Form:
Text and Form:
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