I was just thinking how fortunate I am to have sung this piece more than once. My favorite performance was as the alto in a four-person choir, with organ.
The text, roughly translated, is a gloss by Jean Racine of a hymn for Tuesday Matins.
Word, coequal with the Most High,
Eternal day of both heaven and earth,
We break the silence of the peaceful night.
Divine Savior, cast your glance upon us!
Pour out upon us the fire of your most powerful Mercy,
So that hell flees at the sound of Your voice.
Dissipate the somnolence of a soul
which has been conducting itself in forgetfulness of Your laws!
Oh Christ, be merciful to this faithful people,
Who are gathered here to bless you,
Receive the songs that they offer to Your immortal glory,
And may they return again, filled with your gifts!
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2 comments:
This is other-worldly beautiful, Pentimento. I just clipped it off YouTube and posted it on Facebook. My friends need a chance to hear it. Thanks for sharing it! (I wish we could hear you singing it...)
Doesn't it just kill you? You can't imagine what it's like to sing it.
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