Nesciens Mater (2022)

for voices (SATBBB) a cappella

approx. duration: 6 minutes

composed for Antiquum Documentum

a setting of the Marian antiphon 'Nesciens Mater'

Inspired by the writing of Taverner, Mouton and Tallis, Nesciens Mater is a setting of the votive antiphon to the Virgin Mary. Upon first reading the text I was struck by its feminist themes of resilience and strength, drawing from the imagery of a mother bearing the regem angelorum (‘king of angels’).

The music opens with a dark, chant-like figure, introducing false relations and gradually-evolving polyphonic textures, as accumulating lines undergo modal and rhythmic transformation. The pinnacle of the music emphasises the word ‘angelorum’, welcoming the saviour of the world into heaven. Throughout, the focal point remains the grace of the virgin mother and child.