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The Marian antiphon Regina caeli laetare in F major (Z134) was written before 1728. It is kept simple and was probably intended as a repertoire piece for Lady Day. However, there are no surviving references to actual performances. The composition is remarkable for its unusual scoring for three high voices: they mark out the cantus firmus plainchant over a walking instrumental bass line before, prompted by the harmonies of the upper strings and oboes, they join in close harmony. A triple-metre passage for voices and continuo provides a brief middle section, but swiftly the instruments return to the opening material for a final, joyful Alleluia.

from notes by Peter Wollny © 2003
English: Viola Scheffel