Alma redemptoris mater [108]

Adrian Willaert

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AR108 Alma redemptoris mater 6 vv ; 2.p. Tu quae genuisti 6 vv

Scores

[1] Alma redemptoris mater

Polyphonic ensemble SATTB

C-G2; A-C2; T-C3; T I-C3; B-F3. High clefs. Entire range, A-f’’. Chant (App. 1) is presented in canon at the upper fifth between the T and [CII] at the distance of 3 breves.[1] Unique to Willaert’s setting is the repetition of textual/musical phrases (“redemptoris mater,” “surgere curat populo,” “virgo prius” and “peccatorum miserere”) in the canonic voices; for the first two phrases textual/material in other voices is also restated. Through anticipatory statements or imitation, chant also appears in other voices. A primarily declamatory style with occasional melismas prevails within an imitative contrapuntal fabric. Final a (1.p.), F, b♭ signature (2.p.).

1. Regarding the symbolic nature of canon in settings of Alma redemptoris mater, Willem Elders suggests that the canon symbolizes the idea of “bringing forth” based upon the text: “Mother of the redeemer…“You…who gave birth to…” Studien zur Symbolik in der Musik der alten Niederländer, (Bilthoven, 1968), 90 and New Josquin Edition, Vol. 23, XI.

[2] Tu quae genuisti

Polyphonic ensemble SATTB

Associated people

Adrian Willaert - Composer

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Sung texts

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Alma redemptoris mater, quae pervia caeli porta manes
Et stella maris, succurre cadenti surgere qui curat populo:
Tu quae genuisti, natura mirante, tuum sanctum genitorem:
Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore sumens illud, Ave, peccatorum miserere.

Bibliography

Modern editions

[CMM 3 - V]

Willaert, A., 1957, Adriano Willaert, Opera Omnia, Zenck H., Gerstenberg W., Meier B., Meier H., et Horn W. (éd.).
(n° 13)

References

No information.

Contributors

Harry Elzinga - Project manager ; Scientific editor

Ailin Arjmand - Collaborative work

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Alma redemptoris mater [108], in RicercarDataLab [https://ricercardatalab.cesr.univ-tours.fr/works/1272/] (accessed 23 January 2026).

Last modification: Nov. 14, 2025