Ave Maria…Virgo Serena, by Josquin des Prez

Listening Guide

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

Performing Forces, Melody, and Texture

Text and Form: