Easy Marian Motets

- Peter Latona, Gary Penkala, Colin Brumby

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Use: Marian
Required Resources: SATB (or unison) choir, organ
Language: English and Latin

Here are three accessible Marian pieces by three familiar CNP composers:

1. Peter Latona, Director of Music at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception [Washington DC]
2. Gary Penkala, Pastoral Associate for Liturgy and Music at Saint James Church [Charles Town WV]
3. Colin Brumby, retired music professor from Queensland, Australia

Assumption New is a hymn-like setting of the Offertory antiphon for the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. The five verses are sung:

1. unison women
2. SATB
3. unison men
4. SATB
5. unison choir

Each verse text ends with "Ave Maria, Mater Dei." With very comfortable ranges and good modal writing, this motet is a quick learn.

Salutation is a commentary on the Annunciation. The setting is utterly simple — unison melody throughout. The accompaniment begins in unison, quickly adding a second and third part; the last phrase is four-part texture. Each of the three verses begins with "Ave Maria," quoting a metrical version of the incipit for the chant Ave Maria. This can be sung by soloist, unison children's choir (or men or women), or unison mixed choir.

O Sanctissima uses the text of the familiar Latin Marian hymn, with original music. The three verse texts begin:

1. O Sanctissima, O piissima …
2. Tota pulchra es, O Maria …
3. Sicut lilium inter spina …

Set homophonically, the motet begins in e minor and ends in G Major, with the text: "Ora, ora pro nobis." Comfortable ranges and marvelous voice leading make this an easy motet for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception or any other Marian feast.