Hymn: Ave maris stella (Hail, star of the sea)
Ave maris stella is a popular liturgical hymn of unknown
origin. It can be dated back to at least the 9th century for it is
preserved in the Codex Sangallensis, a 9th century manuscript now in
the Swiss Monastery of St. Gallen. Its appearance in the Codex points
to a composition in possibly the 8th century. The hymn is frequently
attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) and sometimes has
been attributed to King Robert (1031), both of whom are too late to
have authored it. It has also been attributed to Venantius Fortunatus
(d 609) and Paul the Deacon (d 787). It is found in ancient codices of
the Divine Office for Vespers on Marian feasts. Today it is still in
use in the Divine Office and in the Little Office of the Blessed
Virgin.
For an English translation of the words, see this page.
Chant notation for Ave maris stella:
