Throughout the centuries Christians have invoked the help, mercy and comfort of Maria, Holy Mother of God. In the Catholic liturgy Maria is honoured with several hymns or antiphons: Ave Maria, Salve Regina, Ave Maris Stella. Countless composers have set these texts to music, and this new Brilliant Classics set brings together an astonishing array of Maria Hymns, ranging from medieval Gregorian Chant, the earliest compositions by Machaut, the Flemish polyphonists Josquin, Ockeghem, Obrecht, Willaert, into the high Renaissance of Monteverdi, Frescobaldi, Cavalli, Gesualdo, Caccini, through the Baroque with Vivaldi, Scarlatti, Haydn, Pergolesi, to Mozart, the 19th century Schubert, Mendelssohn, Liszt, Brahms right into the 20th century ending with Poulenc, Duruflé and Arvo Pärt. Excellent performances featuring specialized choirs such as the King’s College Choir, St. John’s College Choir, Clare College Choir and many others. Another valuable and inspirational set in the Sacred Music series by Brilliant Classics, previous issues include collections of the Requiem, Stabat Mater and Magnificat.