A setting of the C9th Vespers hymn in honour of Mary to complement my settings of the Alma Redemptoris and Ave Maria. Consisting of two contrasting sections, polyphonic and imitative on the one hand, and simply homophonic on the other,it should ideally be sung antiphonally, though this is not necessary provided the contrasts are observed. My translation: Hail, Star of the Sea, Bountiful Mother of God, Virgin ever, Fruitful gate to heaven. Taking upon yourself that greeting from Gabriel’s mouth, thus Changing the name of Eve [Eva, Ave], Confirm peace within us. Break the fetters of sinners, Make the blind see,Thrust aside our evil,Plead urgently for our good. Show yourself a Mother; May He who was born for us Hear our prayers through yours. Supreme Virgin, Mildest of all, Keep us from guilt, Meek and chaste. Keep our life’s journey pure, So that, at last seeing Jesus, We may always rejoice. Praise to God the Father, Honour to Christ on high,And honour, too, to the Holy Spirit, third of the Three-in-One.