Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above

This hymn for the feast of the Assumption of Mary is based on the Latin prayer Savle Regina, mater misericordia, which was written in the Middle ages by monk, mathematician, astronomer, musician, chronicler and poet Contractus Hermannus (1013-1054).

Many different translations have been made, including several hymns and the the spoken prayer Hail Holy Queen which itself also has various translations.

The author of this particular English translation is unknown: it was published unattributed in the Roman Hymnal 1884, New York Fr. Pustet & Co. Based on this publication date, it is assumed that the words are now in the public domain.

With meter 8.4.8.4.7.7.7.4.5, tunes it is almost always set to the tune SALVE REGINA COELITUM, composer unknown, from the Chorale melodien zum heiligen Gesange, 1808.

Although it is very traditional hymn and likely written to be played on the organ, the hymn became famous when it was used in the film "Sister Act", which has Whoopi Goldberg directing an upbeat version.

Downloads

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PowerPoint slides

Easy piano arrangement by SilverTonalities, 3 pages

Sister Act setting for download, with lyrics, Piano chords. 7 pages

Examples

Traditional choir with organ and brass:

Solo singer, acapella:

Lead singer and small group, with electronic backing track:

Singer, self-accompanied on guitar:

Instrumental - guitar:

Instrumental - organ:

Lyrics

Hail, Holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria!
Hail, Mother of mercy and of love, O Maria!
Triumph all ye cherubim!
Sing with us ye seraphim!
Heaven and earth resound the hymn!
Salve, salve, salve, Regina!

Our life, our sweetness here below, O Maria!
Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria!
Triumph all ye cherubim!
Sing with us ye seraphim!
Heaven and earth resound the hymn!
Salve, salve, salve, Regina!

To thee do we cry, poor sons of Eve, O Maria!
To thee we sigh, we mourn, we grieve, O Maria!
Triumph all ye cherubim!
Sing with us ye seraphim!
Heaven and earth resound the hymn!
Salve, salve, salve, Regina!

Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, O Maria!
Towards us thine eyes compassionate, O Maria!
Triumph all ye cherubim!
Sing with us ye seraphim!
Heaven and earth resound the hymn!
Salve, salve, salve, Regina! O Maria!

When this our exile is complete, O Maria!
Show us thy Son, our Jesus sweet, O Maria!
Triumph all ye cherubim!
Sing with us ye seraphim!
Heaven and earth resound the hymn!
Salve, salve, salve, Regina!

O clement, gracious Mother sweet, O Maria!
O virgin Mary we entreat, O Maria!
Triumph all ye cherubim!
Sing with us ye seraphim!
Heaven and earth resound the hymn!
Salve, salve, salve, Regina!