Salve Regina

- Colin Brumby

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Use: Marian, General
Required Resources: Unison choir or low solo, organ
Language: Latin

While the full origin of the Latin prayer, Salve Regina, is perhaps not clear, it was used at the French Abbey of Cluny in the 12th century. In 1852, Saint Alphonsus Liguori used the text as the basis of his book, The Glories of Mary. The Salve Regina is one of the four Marian antiphons sung at the close of Compline — this one, for use after Eastertide until before Advent. It is also sung at the end of a priest's funeral and is one of the last prayers of the Rosary.

Colin Brumby, a practical and approachable Australian composer, has set the prayer for unison choir and organ. It may also be sung by an alto or bass soloist. The music is divided into two identical verses. The first begins, "Salve Regina, Mater misericordiæ … " The second begins, "Eja ergo, Advocata nostra … "

Apart from their logical use at Compline, the four Marian antiphon chants can easily be used at Mass throughout the year, perhaps at the end of Communion time for choral Masses. As it is in C Major, the Brumby setting could easily follow the chant version, should a longer piece be useful.