Ave Maris Stella à 5 (di BSG, 2016)

An original stile-antico canto-fermo-in-basso organ chorale prelude on the mediaeval Marian plainchant hymn, inspired by Matthias Weckmann's "O Lux Beata Trinitas" of very similar cast (and thought by Peter Williams to be an inspiration for the '"Gravèment" of BWV 572). Note the climactic "Major 7 # 5" on the downbeat of 30. See below for my tutorial on that chord. This was also influenced by Marcel Dupré's final, canto-fermo-in-basso variation on this hymn, which is too difficult to play without prodigious pianistic technique I don't have.

The rendition is via Hauptwerk on the Sonus Paradisi digital imaging of the Walcker organ in the Martinikerk, Doesburg, Holland, although I believe that the 32' Contra-Bombarde featured here is not on the real instrument. This is why it was added. Use good earphones or speakers!

Maris (1934-1985) was certainly worthy of "sumens illud Ave" when he broke Babe Ruth's record of 60 home runs in 1961 (I certainly did that day!), but his wife was named Patricia, not Stella, so there is some confusion. Perhaps the text advises raising a glass of a popular beer.😊

M7+5 tutorial at bernardgreenberg.com/Scores/5946961. Playable PDF at bernardgreenberg.com/Scores/2008676