In Praise of the Virgin

Use: Marian
Required Resources: SATB choir
Language: English

This delightful a cappella macaronic carol (a mixture of two languages) uses a 13th century English poem:

1. Of one that is so bright and fair, Velut maris stella,
   Brighter than the day's light, Parens et puella,
   I cry to thee: thou see to me!
   Lady, pray thy son for me, Tam pia, That I must come to thee, Maria.
    
2. Lady, flow'r of all things, Rosa sine spina,
   Thou bore Jesu, heaven's king, Gratia divina.
   Of all thou bear'st the prize, Lady, queen of Paradise. Electa,
   Maiden mild mother is. Effecta.
    
3. Of all counsel thou art best, Felix fecundata,
   Of all the weary thou art rest, Mater honorata.
   Beseech him with mild mood That for us all shed his blood, In cruce,
   That we must come to him, In luce.

The parts are of easy-moderate difficulty and the ranges are typical:

Soprano: E to F#

Alto: A to C

Tenor: C to F#

Bass: G to D

Colin Brumby not only enjoys a reputation as one of Australia's leading composers in terms of international standing, but is also one of the country's most consistently-played composers. His varied works find immediate acceptance by both performer and audience alike.