Suite on 'Ave Maria'

- Gregory Hamilton

PDF Sample

Use: Marian
Required Resources: organ

In this new suite for organ, the composer takes a metrical version of the Gregorian chant Ave Maria on a trek through six creative variations.

1. Preludium is a full organ fantasy with fragments of the melody in the upper voice throughout.
2. Bicinium, as the name implies, is a two-part treatment for contrasting manuals, reminiscent of French Baroque style.
3. Contemplation sets the chant melody on a solo stop in the tenor, with rich string and flute chords above.
4. Little Fugue is a delightful three-part fughetta on the chant melody for manuals alone.
5. Menuet sets the melody in 3-4 time, in four-part manual texture.
6. Fantasie closes the suite, using two manuals of equal strength, spinning out a contrapuntal eighth note pattern. The pedal plays the chant melody in augmentation, generally in half note motion.

This would make an exciting extended prelude for any Marian feast. Separate movements could also be used for Offertory, Communion and Postlude.

Quality music from a very competent contemporary composer. This deserves a place in every organist's repertoire!