


A bit of a departure from the eight part complexity of Mendelssohn, but I find this arrangement of Salve Mater Misericordiae an easy hymn for those who are just starting to learn Gregorian chant to pick up due to the simple and repetitive melody.

Probably not something that would be sung as part of liturgy due to it’s complexity and scope (and um, the whole orchestra) but there is something truly heavenly about listening to the intricate interplay of eight harmonies all praising our Blessed Mother together.ħ.) Salve Mater Misericordiae -A Marian hymn written in the 11th century. This version in eight part harmony by Mendelssohn is one of my favorites, though I found it impossible to pick an absolute favorite. There are so, so, so, so many versions of this beautiful prayer, and I’ve sung…well, a lot of them. No list of Marian hymns would be complete without it. It’s another that many, many people know so once one person starts singing it it’s normal for a lot of people to join in.Ĩ.) Ave Maria- The Hail Mary. This version set to music is by far one of my favorites. It’s overwhelming popularity and well-known lyrics have secured it’s spot here on my list (because it’s much more fun to sing hymns with EVERYONE!).ĩ.) Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen)- Most Catholics are familiar with the prayer Hail Holy Queen. This one almost everyone knows and it’s one of the first I ever learned (when I was a wee choir-ling). Enjoy!ġ0.) Immaculate Mary (The Lourdes Hymn)- Can’t go wrong with the classics. I adore latin, chant, and polyphony so for those that don’t have translations of the lyrics included in the video I have placed English translations linked to the titles above the videos. There are so many amazing and beautiful hymns to Our Lady it was exceptionally hard for this ex-choir member (of 15+ years) to narrow the list down but after much youtube searching and getting lost in many hours of beautiful music I finally got it to a manageable size (but feel free to let me know your own favorites in the comments). With the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin coming up this weekend I wanted to present our dearest Mother Mary, (and you dear readers) with a bouquet of my absolute favorite marian hymns.
