March 30, 2014

Gall He Drinks

Painting by Mello da Gubbi - Courtesy of Wikipedia

In the Divine Office (1974) Gall He Drinks is sung at Morning Prayer on Good Friday. It's authorship is unknown. The recommended musical setting is the tune: St. Thomas by John Francis Wade (1711-1786). An alternative tune that can be used in it's place is Irby.

Alternative Tune: Irby

March 29, 2014

Christ is Here, Emmanuel!

Fresco by Geburt Christi Pescoller (Sr) - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Christ is Here, Emmanuel! is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung during Christmastide before Epiphany. The recommended tune in the Office is Ravenshaw. That tune's hymn meter of 66.66 unfortunately does not match the text of Christ is Here, Emmanuel! An alternative tune that can be used in it's place is the plainchant melody featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Plainchant (Mary Crowned with Living Light)

March 27, 2014

O Come, Now Rod of Jesse's Stem / Veni, Veni Emmanuel

Évreux Cathedral - Courtesy of Wikipedia

O Come, Now Rod of Jesse's Stem is an adaptation* of the 18th century Latin hymn Veni, Veni Emmanuel, which is based upon the Advent O Antiphons for Vespers (12th century). O Come, Now Rod of Jesse's Stem is set to the tune: Veni Emmanuel, an adaption by Rev. Thomas Helmore (1811-1890) of a 15th century French Franciscan processional which some scholars attribute to an earlier 8th Century Gregorian Chant. In the Divine Office (1974), O Come, Now Rod of Jesse's Stem is sung during Advent for December 17th up until Christmas. Related: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.


Tune: Veni Emmanuel

O COME, THOU ROD OF JESSE'S STEM - (Public Domain)

1. O come, Thou Rod of Jesse's stem,
From every foe deliver them
That trust your mighty power to save,
And give them vict'ry o'er the grave.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel,
              Shall come to you, O Israel!

2. O come, now Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home,
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

3. O come, now Day-spring from on high,
And cheer us by your drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadow put to flight.

4. O come, Desire of the nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid now our sad divisions cease,
And be yourself our King of Peace.

* The Divine Office (1974) has attributed the translation of Veni, Veni Emmanuel to Thomas Helmore. This seems unlikely since he is not known to have been a translator of Latin hymns.


Latin Verses: 1, 6, 5, 3 (see below) - preformed by Haley Westernra

VENI, VENI, EMMANUEL - (Public Domain)

1. Veni, Veni, Emmanuel
captivum solve Israel,
qui gemit in exsilio,
privatus Dei Filio.

Refrain: Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
              Nascetur pro te Israel!

2. Veni, O Sapientia,
quae hic disponis omnia,
veni, viam prudentiae
ut doceas et gloriae.

3. Veni, veni, Adonai,
qui populo in Sinai
legem dedisti vertice
in maiestate gloriae.

4. Veni, O Iesse virgula,
ex hostis tuos ungula,
de spectu tuos tartari
educ et antro barathri.

5. Veni, Clavis Davidica,
regna reclude caelica,
fac iter tutum superum,
et claude vias inferum.

6. Veni, veni O Oriens,
solare nos adveniens,
noctis depelle nebulas,
dirasque mortis tenebras.

7. Veni, veni, Rex Gentium,
veni, Redemptor omnium,
ut salvas tuos famulos
peccati sibi conscios.

March 23, 2014

The Co-Eternal Son / Instantis Adventum Dei

Painting by Pietro Da Vicenza - Courtesy Wikipedia

The Co-Eternal Son is an adaption of the Robert Campbell (1814-1868) translation of the 1736 hymn: Instantis Adventum Dei by Charles Coffin (1676-1749). Campbell's translation: The Coming of Our God was later revised by the editors of the Parish Hymn Book, resulting in a number of changes including the omission of the original 1st verse, hence - the different title. In the Divine Office (1974), The Co-Eternal Son is sung during Advent from December 17 up to Christmas. The recommended musical setting in the Office is the tune: Optatus. An alternative tune that can be used in it's place is Franconia, as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Franconia

THE COMING OF OUR GOD tr. by Robert Campbell (Public Domain)

1. The coming of our God
Our thoughts must now employ:
Then let us meet him on the road
With songs of holy joy.

2. The co-eternal Son
A maiden’s offspring see:
A servant’s form Christ putteth on,
To make his people free.

3. Mother of Saints, arise
To greet thine infant-King,
And do not thanklessly despise
The pardon he doth bring.

4. In glory from his throne
Again will Christ descend,
And summon all that are his own
To joys that never end.

5. Let deeds of darkness fly
Before the approaching morn,
For onto sin ‘tis ours to die,
And serve the Virgin-horn.

6. Our joyful praises sing
To Christ, that set us free;
Like tribute to the Father bring,
And, Holy Ghost, to thee.


INSTANTIS ADVENTUM DEI by Charles Coffin, 1736 (Public Domain)

1. Instantis adventum Dei
Poscamus ardenti prece,
Festisque munus inclitum
Præoccupemus canticis.

2. Æterna proles, feminæ
Non horret includi sinu:
Fit ipse servus ut jugo
Nos servitutis eximat. 

3. Mansuetus et clemens venít;
Occurre, festina, Sion:
Ultro tibi quam porrigit,
Ne dura pacem respuas.

4. Mox nube clarâ fulgurans
Mundi redibit arbiter,
Suique membra corporis
Cœlo triumphator vehet. 

5. Fœtus tenebrarum, die
Cedant propinquo crmina:
Adam reformetur vetus,
Imago succedat novi. 

6. Qui liberator advenis,
Fili, tibi laus maxima
Cum Patre et almo
Spiritu In sempiterna secula.

March 22, 2014

Where True Love is Dwelling, God is Dwelling There

12th Century Byzantine Mosaic - Courtesy Wikipedia

Where True Love is Dwelling, God is Dwelling There is written by the Scottish Jesuit Priest, Fr. James J. Quinn (1919-2010). In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung with the Office of Readings. The recommended tune in the Office is Gott Ein Vater by Friedrich Silcher (1789-1860). An alternative tune that can also be used is Quietude (Green), as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Quietude (Green)

March 16, 2014

Come Spirit Blest, with God the Son / Nunc, Sancte, Nobis Spiritus


Painting by Carlo Dolci - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Come Spirit Blest, with God the Son is an 1852 translation by the Anglican priest, scholar and hymn-writer John M. Neale of the Office hymn for Terce: Nunc Sanc­te No­bis Spir­it­us, attributed to St. Am­brose of Mi­lan (337-397). In the Divine Office (1974), Come Spirit Blest with God the Son is used with the Office of Readings. The recommended musical setting is the tune: St. Ambrose. An alternative tune that can also be used is Eisenach, as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Eisenach

COME, HOLY GHOST, WITH GOD THE SON by John M. Neale, 1852 (Public Domain)

1. Come, Holy Ghost, with God the Son
And God the Father, ever One;
Shed forth Thy grace within our breast,
And dwell with us a ready Guest.

2. By every power, by heart and tongue,
By act and deed, Thy praise be sung;
Inflame with perfect love each sense,
That others’ souls may kindle thence.

3. O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son,
Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee,
Shall live and reign eternally.


Ambrosian Chant

NUNC, SANCTE, NOBIS SPIRITUS attributed to St. Ambrose (Public Domain)

1. Nunc, Sancte, nobis, Spiritus,
Unum Patri cum Filio,
Dignare promptus ingeri
Nostro refusus pectori.

2. Os, lingua, mens, sensus, vigor
Confessionem personent.
Flammescat igne caritas,
Accéndat ardor proximos.

3. Præsta, Pater piissime,
Patríque compar Unice,
Cum Spiritu Paraclito
Regnans per omne sæculum. Amen.


Gregorian Chant

How Great the Tale

Nave of Boyle Abbey, Co. Roscommon, Ireland - Courtesy of Wikipedia

How Great the Tale is a translation by the Gaelic scholar and writer, El­ea­nor H. Hull (1860-1935) of a poem by Donough O'Daly (d.1244). Also referred to as Donnchadh Mór Ó Dálaigh, he came from a family of celebrated Irish poets, and is thought by some historians to have been the Abbot of Boyle Abbey, where he is believed to be buried. In the Divine Office (1974), How Great the Tale is one of the hymns selected for use with the Office of Readings. The recommended musical setting is the tune: Munster. An alternative tune that can also be used is the Old Hundredth, as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Old 100th

March 15, 2014

Bright as Fire in Darkness

Leadpoint on Wood by Girolamo dai Libri - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Bright as Fire in Darkness is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung with the Office of Readings. The recommended musical setting is Gott Ein Vater by Friedrich Silcher (1789-1860). An alternative tune that can also be used is Quietude (Green), as featured in the following video.

Alternative Tune: Quietude (Green)

Worship, Glory, Praise and Honour

Stained Glass - Almudena Cathedral, Madrid - Courtesy Wikipedia

Worship, Glory, Praise and Honour is accredited to M.A.P. Wood. In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung with the Office of Readings. The recommended musical setting is the 1853 tune: Laus Deo (Redhead 46) by the Anglican organist and composer, Richard Redhead (1820-1901).


Tune: Laus Deo (Redhead 46)

March 14, 2014

Queen on Whose Starry Brow Doth Rest

Stained Glass: St. James Church, Glenbeigh, Ire. - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Queen on Whose Starry Brow Doth Rest is a translation by Monsignor Ronald A. Knox (1888 - 1957) of a hymn by Venantius Fortunatus (c.530-c.600). In the Divine (1974) it is among the selected hymns sung with the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The recommended musical setting in the Office is the 1628 tune: Eisenach by the early Baroque composer, Johann Hermann Schein (1586-1630).


Tune: Eisenach

March 10, 2014

Spirit of God On the Waste and the Darkness

Dome of Santa Maria Maddalena, Rome - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Spirit of God On the Waste and the Darkness is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office (1974) it is one of the hymns selected for use during Eastertide after Ascension Day. It is set to Liebster Immanuel, a melody from the Himmels-Lust of 1679, adapted and harmonized by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). An alternative tune that can also be used is Morning Star, as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Morning Star

March 9, 2014

When Time Began, God Walked With Man

Facade of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome - Courtesy of Wikipedia

When Time Began, God Walked With Man is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung at Morning Prayer in the Common of the Dedication of a Church. For it's musical setting, the Office recommends the 1861 hymn tune: Melita by the Anglican clergyman and hymnist, John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876).


Tune: Melita

When Jesus Comes to be Baptized

Mural in St. John the Baptism Church, Qasr al-Yahud - Courtesy Wikipedia

When Jesus Comes to be Baptized is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung on the Sunday after January 6th, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It is set to the tune: Winchester New by Bartholomäus Crasselius (1667-1724), first published in the Mu­si­kal­isch­es Hand­buch of 1690.


Tune: Winchester New

We Bless You, Father, Lord of Life

Painting by Max Fürst - Courtesy of Wikipedia

We Bless You, Father, Lord of Life is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung at Friday Morning Prayer (Weeks 1 and 3). For it's musical setting, the Office recommends the hymn tune: Saxony. An alternative tune that can also be used is Wareham, as featured in the following video.

Alternative Tune: Wareham

March 8, 2014

To Christ the Lord of Worlds We Sing

Stained Glass in Melkite Catholic Church, Roslindale - Courtesy Wikipedia

To Christ the Lord of Worlds We Sing is written by Walter H. Shewring (1906–1990). In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung at Morning Prayer on the Solemnity of Christ the King. For it's musical setting, the Office recommends the tune: Deus Tuorum Militum (Grenoble), first published in the Grenoble Antiphoner of 1753. An alternative tune that can also be used is Winchester New, as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Winchester New

Audi, Benigne Conditor

16th Century Fresco by Giovanni Pordenone - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Audi, Benigne Conditor is attributed to Pope St. Gregory the Great (540-604). In the Roman Breviary it is sung at Vespers throughout Lent (Quadragesima) up until Passion (Palm) Sunday.



AUDI, BENIGNE CONDITOR

1. Audi, benigne Conditor,
nostras preces cum fletibus,
sacrata in abstinentia
fusas quadragenaria.

2. Scrutator alme cordium,
infirma tu scis virium;
ad te reversis exhibe
remissionis gratiam.

3. Multum quidem peccavimus,
sed parce confitentibus,
tuique laude nominis
 confer medelam languidis.

4. Sic corpus extra conteri
dona per abstinentiam,
ieiunet ut mens sobria
a labe prorsus criminum.

5. Praesta, beata Trinitas,
concede, simplex Unitas,
ut fructuosa sint tuis
haec parcitatis munera. Amen.

March 6, 2014

The Love of God was Shown to Man

Embroidery by Henri Van Severen - Courtesy of Wikipedia

The Love of God was Shown to Man is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung at Morning Prayer on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart. For it's musical setting the Office recommends the 1874 hymn tune: Abends by the English composer and musician, Herbert Stanley Oakeley (1830-1903).

Tune: Abends

The Lord Goes Up With Shouts of Joy

Folio from Trés Riches Heures - Courtesy of Wikipedia

The Lord Goes Up With Shouts of Joy is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung for both Evening I and at Evening Prayer II on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. It is set to the 1793 tune: Duke Street, by John Warrington Hatton (c.1710-1793).


Tune: Duke Street

The Father's Holy Ones, the Blest

Orthodox Icon - Courtesy of Wikipedia

The Father's Holy Ones, the Blest is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung at Morning Prayer on November 1st, the Solemnity of All Saints. The Office recommends the hymn tune: Auctoritate Saeculi as it's musical setting. An alternative tune that can also be used is Duke Street, as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: Duke Street

March 5, 2014

Jesus, the Sun of Ransomed Earth / Iam, Christe, Sol Iustitiae / O Sol Salutis, Initimis

3rd Century Mosaic: Christ as Sol Invictus - Courtesy Wikipedia

Jesus, the Sun of Ransomed Earth is a translation by Monsignor Ronald A. Knox (1888 - 1957) of the 6th century Latin hymn: Iam, Christe, Sol Iustitiae, traditionally sung at Lauds during Lent before Holy Week. In accordance with the reforms of Pope Urban VIII, in the 17th century it was revised and re-titled: O Sol Salutis, Initimis. In the Divine Office (1974), Jesus, the Sun of Ransomed Earth is one of the suggested hymns for Lent, with the added note that it is "more suitable for Morning Payer". The Office recommends it be sung to the tune: O Invidenda Martyrum, a Dijon Church Melody. An alternative tune that can also be used is Duke Street, as featured in the following video.

Alternative Tune: Duke Street

IAM, CHRISTI, SOL IUSTITIAE

1. Iam, Christe, sol iustitiae,
mentis dehiscant tenebrae,
virtutum ut lux redeat,
terris diem cum reparas.

2. Dans tempus acceptabile
et paenitens cor tribue,
convertat ut benignitas
quos longa suffert pietas. 

3. Quiddamque paenitentiae
da ferre, quo fit demptio,
maiore tuo munere,
culparum quamvis grandium.

4. Dies venit, dies tua,
per quam reflorent omnia;
laetemur in hac ut tuae
per hanc reducti gratiae.

5. Te rerum universitas,
clemens, adoret, Trinitas,
et nos novi per veniam
novum canamus canticum.


O SOL SALUTIS, INITIMIS

1. O sol salutis, initimis,
Jesu, refulge mentibus,
Dum, nocte pulsa, gratior
Orbi dies renascitur.

2. Dans tempus acceptabile,
Da lacrimarum rivulis
Lavare cordis victimam,
Quam laeta adurat caritas.

3. Qua fonte manavit nefas,
Fluent perennes lacrimae,
Si virga poenitentiae
Cordis rigorem conterat. 

4. Dies venit, dies tua,
In qua reflorent omnia:
Laetemur et nos, in viam
Tua reducti dextera.

5. Te prona mundi machina,
Clemens, adoret, Trinitas,
Et nos novi per gratiam
Novum canamus canticum.

March 3, 2014

The Ark Which God Has Sanctified

Etching by Francesco Bartolozzi - Courtesy Wikipedia

The Ark Which God Has Sanctified is written by the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey. In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung with Morning Prayer on August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is set to the 1836 tune: St Peter (Reinagle) by Alexander Robert Reinagle (1799-1877).


Tune: St Peter (Reinagle)

March 2, 2014

Star of Sea and Ocean / Ave Maris Stella

Painting by Filippo Lippi - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Star of Sea and Ocean is a translation by Rev. Ralph Wright O.S.B. (b.1938) of the 9th. century anonymous Latin hymn, Ave Maris Stella. Under her ancient title: Stella Maris (Star of the Sea), the Virgin Mary has been named the patroness of numerous coastal Churches, as well as missions to seafarers such as the Apostleship of the Sea. In the Divine Office (1974), Star of Sea and Ocean is sung at Evening Prayer I in the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is set to the same tradition tune associated with the ancient Latin text, as featured in the following video.


Gregorian (Sung by the Daughters of St. Paul)

AVE MARIS STELLA (Public Domain)

1. Ave maris stella,
Dei Mater alma,
atque semper Virgo,
felix caeli porta.

2. Sumens illud Ave
Gabrielis ore,
funda nos in pace,
mutans Hevae nomen.

3. Solve vincula reis,
profer lumen caecis
mala nostra pelle,
bona cuncta posce.

4. Monstra te esse matrem:
sumat per te preces,
qui pro nobis natus,
tulit esse tuus.

5. Virgo singularis,
inter omnes mites,
nos culpis solutos,
mites fac et castos.

6. Vitam praesta puram,
iter para tutum:
ut videntes Iesum
semper collaetemur.

7. Sit laus Deo Patri,
summo Christo decus,
Spiritui Sancto,
tribus honor unus. Amen.

Sower and Seed of Man's Reprieving

Fresco by Giotto di Bondone - Courtesy of Wikipedia

Sower and Seed of Man's Reprieving is by Monsignor Ronald A. Knox (1888 - 1957). In the Divine Office (1974) it is sung at Morning Prayer on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. The Office recommends the hymn tune: Les Commandements de Dieu by Louis Bourgeois (c.1510–1560) as it's musical setting. An alternative tune that can all be used is St. Clement, as featured in the following video.


Alternative Tune: St. Clement