Lyrics adapted by Frank diGiacomo from a medieval Italian laud to the Virgin Mary.
English translation by Julian R. Pace.

This seemingly simple song was originally part of a planned multi-lingual, stylistically diverse setting of the Passion of Christ, on which the Composer had been sporadically working through the 1970s. The work, intended for large chorus, soloists and orchestra, was never completed. The song was first performed by James Shults, accompanied by Frank DiGiacomo at DiGiacomo in Concert, May 28,1975 at the Everson Museum of Art, in Syracuse, New York.

LYRICS
Altissima luce col grande splendore,
Highest light of great splendor,

in voi dolce amore, agiam consolanza.
in you, sweet love, we find our comfort.

Ave, Regina, pulcella amorosa,
Hail, queen, loving virgin,

stella marina che non stai nascosa,
star of the sea who is not hidden,

luce divina, virtù graziosa,
divine light, power of grace,

bellezza formosa: di Dio se’ sembianza.
beauty of beauties: you are the countenance of God.

Fresca rivera ornata di fiori
Cool streamside meadow decorated with flowers,

tu se’ la spera di tutt’i colori:
you are like the sphere of all colors;

guida la schiera di noi peccatori,
guide us, we host of sinners,

sica savori di tua beninanza.
that we may savor of your blessing.