5 Marian Motets Your Choir Can Sing

Patrick McGuire
16 hours ago
3 min read

We're in the month of May, which is a special month of devotion to Our Lady! I thought it might be fitting to review 5 Marian motets that every choir can put in their folders and enjoy with confidence! My criteria for selecting these pieces is primarily based on works that are of a generally low difficulty level for a volunteer-church choir to sing. As the term 'motet' suggests, these selections will all be in Latin. Got any other 'go-to' motets your choir likes to sing to the Blessed Virgin? Let me know!

1) Ave Maria - Jacob Arcadelt (General Use/Ordinary Time)

Jacques Arcadelt - Ave Maria | Choer de Chambre de Namur Chamber Choir

I have used the piece on numerous occasions for young voices that are learning to sing in a choir. I think it is smart writing for young/amateur singers especially due to the placement of breaths that define phrases for the singer, as well as the primarily homophonic texture. It allows for 'herd safety' as the choir sings: they stay together rhythmically and feel the sense of safety and security that comes with it. Different editions exist with different interpretations of the meter and numerous options for key signature. Though that can be daunting to select a score, it is nice to have some flexibility with an array of free scores, where you can assess your need and determine what key/setting might work best for your particular ensemble. (which for many of us, can be quite different from year to year!)

2) Ave Maria - attr. Giulio Caccini* (General Use/Ordinary Time)

Ave Maria - attr. Giulio Caccini arr. Patrick M. Libergen

This is one I remember from my high school days when I first started singing in choir. I intentionally showcase this edition from Patrick Liebergen above because it is a clean and clear setting that has become a familiar staple in the choral world, even outside of the Catholic Church. This piece allows for some great teaching opportunities about chords/basic music theory in a classroom setting. In any choir, there is ample opportunity to emphasize balancing the harmonic structure across the ensemble. It also follows a sequential harmonic pattern, so the consistency of the writing helps for familiarity and comfort for any novice singer. Finally, it allows for some great work on breath support and control, sustaining these chords over longer periods of time.

*The attribution to Caccini has come into significant question, and many suspect it was actually written by 20th Century Composer Vasily Vavolov.

3) Totus Tuus - Marco Frisina (General Use/Ordinary Time)

Totus Tuus - The Choir of the Diocese of Rome under the direction of Marco Frisina (composer)

Marco Frisina has many great credits to his name both in sacred music and in secular film scores. Many of his sacred works have been premiered and/or featured at the Vatican during papal liturgies. Totus Tuus has a lush and tender warmth natural to the vocal line and tight, tonal harmonies. This makes it an enjoyable and intuitive sing for the choir, and if you can swing a string quartet or small orchestra, even better! I will say that the official edition of this score has multiple errors you would need to watch out for, but the errors are pretty obvious when you start singing it and are easily adjustable in rehearsal.

4) Regina Caeli - Antonio Lotti (Easter Season)

Regina Caeli - Antonio Lotti, sung by the Cathedral Singers under the direction of Richard Proulx. This recording begins with the traditional Regina Caeli chant followed by the actual motet by Lotti.

In the midst of the LA fires that consumed and destroyed so much, a beautiful video of a family gathered on the ashes of their home surfaced where they sang this setting by Lotti. A short and sweet setting that can easily become a staple for your choir during the Easter season without a lot of precious rehearsal time. The movement in each voice part is very manageable, with lots of stepwise motion dominating the choral texture. The basses are the notable exception, and yet the line is quite singable as it is distinctly clear where the voice ought to go. I haven't sung this yet myself, but it's on my shortlist to go in folders soon, and I can't wait to dive in!

5) Ecce Virgo Concipiet - James J. Richardson (Advent/Christmas)

James J. Richardson's own recording of his "Ecce Virgo Concipiet," complete with practice tracks for each part to assist your choir!

James J. Richardson is a phenomenal church musician you should know! His website is filled with everything from psalm settings that are based on unique Gregorian chant melodies, to practice track videos of some great church music to help you 'up your game' in sacred music! This original setting of Ecce Virgo Concipiet is delightfully energetic with a an upbeat pulse that every singer enjoys. My choir became obsessed after just a few rehearsals! With logical voice leading and strong choral harmonies, your ensemble will sound like a larger choir due to the confidence this music naturally brings to each singer. Highly recommend this great piece of new music!