Ave Maria

The five verses of this lovely Marian assembly song are based on the five joyful mysteries of the Rosary, but presented though the lens of Mary_x0019_ s lived experience as the first disciple of Christ. This piece is a great example of contemporary hymnody: its foursquare rhythms, straightforward harmonic progression, and use of Latin place it solidly in the tradition of classic hymns with refrains such as _x001C_ Hail, Holy Queen,_x001D_ but the three-part vocal harmony (augmented in the refrain by a descant), slower pace of harmonic change, and use of piano and guitar accompaniment give it a more modern sound.