Franz Biebl’s “Ave Maria”

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary, telling her that she was most favored among women because God had chosen her to bear his Son. Because of Mary’s “yes”, the Savior was conceived and born nine months from today, on Christmas Day. (The dates are more than likely “wrong”, but that isn’t really important.)

This event is remembered three times per day in catholic churches, with the chiming and praying of the Angelus (or the Regina cæli in Eastertide) in the morning, at noon, and at sunset. Franz Biebl’s setting of the Angelus is easily the best I know of, and one of the most exquisite pieces of music ever composed. Here it is performed by one of the best choral groups in the world, Chanticleer, with the US Naval Academy Glee Club.

V. Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ.
R. Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.

V. Maria dixit: Ecce Ancilla Domini.
R. Fiat mihi secundum Verbum tuum.

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.

V. Et Verbum caro factum est.
R. Et habitavit in nobis.

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.