One of the few of Gustav Holst's early works to survive his own self-editing is the short Ave Maria for eight-part female chorus. Written in 1900, this composition was first performed in 1901 and is dedicated to the memory of Holst's mother, Clara Lediard Holst, who died when he was a child. A simple yet elegant a cappella piece, its modes and harmonies are reminiscent of the sacred works of Monteverdi and his contemporaries. The fluidly singable phrases of the flowing counterpoint show Holst's practical abilities as a composer, even at this early stage in his writing. The effective building of lush, if straightforward, harmonies from the contralto line through the upper voices creates an uplifting feeling appropriate to the time-honored lyrics. Holst's creative setting in eight parts gives the statement and response effect of a double choir. Originally composed for women's chorus, the cascading harmonies, forthright style and floating musical line of this work are also well suited to boy's voices. Barely four minutes long, Holst's Ave Maria is a small but brilliant jewel in his large and influential body of work.



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