The first part (Sanctus) has also been copied In I-Mfd [4], ff. 66v-67r, where a G has been added at the end of each voice, except in the Altus. Consequently, the final in I-Mfd [4] (G) differs from the final in I-Mfd 2 (D).
For the attribution of this piece to Compère and its possible belonging to a cycle, see WARD 1986, 499, 506, and 508-515. The attribution was proposed by STAEHELIN 1973, 82, based on the probable identification of this Sanctus with the isolated one attributed to “Loyset” in I-Mfd [4] according to BERWIN-HIRSCHFELD 1892, 91. Ludwig Finscher (s.v. “Compère, Loyset”, in MGG Online) strongly questioned the attribution on stylistic grounds. See also C29. Due to the complex issues of authorship and rewriting and the web of partial and reworked concordances regarding the entire cycle as proposed by WARD 1986, the problem awaits further investigation.
In all the extant sources but the Libroni this motet is transmitted following the motet M292 O genitrix gloriosa. According to WARD 1986, 511-512, O genitrix gloriosa and Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae are two separate compositions (and not a motet divided in two parts, as in the CMM edition), as indicated by the absence of custodes between them in all but one source (MotettiA). RIFKIN 2003, 263, points out that the oldest source in which these two motets are paired is I-Fr Ms. 2794, “a source written at or near the French royal court, very probably between 1486 and 1488”. SCHMIDT 2017, 26, adds that “The piece had thus reached the French court by the 1480s, possibly brought there by the composer himself; by this time it had emancipated itself from the Milanese tradition and had become a proper motet”.
O genitrix gloriosa was copied in I-Mfd 3, ff. 51v-52r.
Concordances (of the two paired motets) in mss. that do not transmit motet cycles: I-Fr Ms. 2794, ff. 9v-11r; I-Sc K.I.2, ff. 182v-184.
In all the extant sources but the Libroni and DK-Kk MS Ny Kongelige Samling 1848 2°, this motet is transmitted followed by the motet M282 Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae. According to WARD 1986, 511-512 O genitrix gloriosa and Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae are two separate compositions (and not a motet divided in two parts, as in the CMM edition), as indicated by the absence of custodes between them in all but one source (MotettiA). RIFKIN 2003, 263 points out that the oldest source in which these two motets are paired is I-Fr Ms. 2794, “a source written at or near the French royal court, very probably between 1486 and 1488”. SCHMIDT 2017, 26, adds that “The piece had thus reached the French court by the 1480s, possibly brought there by the composer himself; by this time it had emancipated itself from the Milanese tradition and had become a proper motet”.
Concordances (of the two paired motets) in mss. that do not transmit motet cycles: DK-Kk MS Ny Kongelige Samling 1848 2°, pp. 286-287 (ascribed to Richafort); I-Fr Ms. 2794, ff. 9v-11r; I-Sc K.I.2, ff. 182v-184.
