Description
This is a Latin melody from the Album "piae cantiones " (sacred songs) published in 1582. This is a new setting for four mixed voices (SATB) following what we feel could have been the harmonic progressions of the 16th century. The full text in Latin and English is on the first page of the pdf sample on view. I signaled the key of this setting in A flat major but it really is in a mixture of two early modes, the 1st mode (based on the scale from D-D with Bb) and the 4th mode (based on the scale from G-G all white Keys).The score includes a leyboard accompaniment for rehearsal. This is the meaning of the poem that can be sung at any time in the year:
In the Spring
That rises joyfully
As the cold goes away,
And averts the Crane:
Land, sea, forest
Beauty lies outside
As the world is renewed,
Vitality returns to the body,
Chest pain subsides
During this happy time.
The land is green and blossoming
And the forest is fresh,
Birds sing soothing melodies
with a voice full of sweetness,
Tempestuous waters
And sweet showers full of dew
Have disappeared,
The sun consumed by clouds’
Rays open
And shines with sweetness.
Oh, what wonderful glory,
How beautiful is God,
How shining
Is his face,
He from whom all things depend,
Lower and higher things
Each in their own form.
He is greater than the distance
Than that which differentiates
Night from Day.