• Main Performer: Gregorian Chant
• Period: Medieval (1-1449)

Review

Ave Maris Stella (Hail Star of Ocean) dates back to at least the ninth century and is not the work of St. Bernard, to whom the text has often been wrongly attributed. It is part of the Divine Office in the Roman Catholic Church and became one of the more commonly sung hymns down through the centuries. It has influenced numerous other hymns and inspired many composers to write their own versions of Ave Maris Stella, including Johannes Ockeghem (ca. 1410-1497) and Peter Maxwell Davies (born in 1934), to name but two. Like other Marian hymns and antiphons, the Ave Maris Stella is more elaborate and longer than most other Gregorian chant. More importantly, it is warmer and exudes an almost Romantic sort of lyricism in the serene flow of its melodic content. The main theme has an arched shape in each of the first two phrases, but its secondary material is more complex, rising and falling several times along its somewhat angular path. Lasting six minutes or more, this lovely hymn will have strong appeal for lovers of both chant and sacred vocal music. ~ All Music Guide

Albums with Complete Performances of the Work

Title	Date
1000 Years of Great Music for Great Cathedrals
Magnificat [DVD Audio]	2001
The Gregorian Heritage: Gregorian Based Choral Masterworks	1995
Classical Christmas (Box Set)	2001
Adriano Banchieri, Vespero per la Madonna	1996
Gregorian Book of Silos	1999
Rosa Mystica
With Joyful Voice: Christmas Music of Eight Centuries (Box Set)	1992
A Woman's Celebration of Chant and Harmony
Pacem: Music of Peace	2001
Noel at the Monestery	1995
Magnificat	2000
Vivaldi: Gloria; Magnificat	1994
El Siglo de Oro: Chant and Polyphony of Renaissance Spain	2007
Vivaldi: Gloria; Magnificat	2006
From Monteverdi to Vivaldi	2003
Mater Domini: Festività mariane	2002
Jean de Castro: Polyphony In a European Perspective	2000
The Best Music for Meditation [Best Buy Exclusive]	2005
A Medieval Christmas	1975
Classical Christmas (Box Set)	2001