Regina coeli laetare is the Marian antiphon that is sung at the end of Night Prayer (Compline) during the Easter season. The other seasonal antiphons are: "Alma redemptoris mater" during Advent and Christmas, "Ave Regina caelorum" during Lent, and "Salve Regina" during Ordinary Time. Prof. Andrea Angelini, of Rimini, Italy, has edited our version of the famous setting by Gregor Aichinger, a 16th century German organist-composer. Aichinger's Regina coeli is a joyful rondo, with a charming refrain in 3/4 time recurring between more serene verses in 4/4 time. Our edition contains Prof. Angelini's suggestions for tempo and dynamics, and a useful "rehearsal only" reduction of the choral parts is included, as always. The music is not difficult, and the effect of this Renaissance Marian Easter motet is refreshing and delightful. The Latin text translates: "Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia! For he whom you have borne, alleluia! Has risen as he said, alleluia! Pray to God for us, alleluia!".
