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A Solis Ortus Cárdine | 2017 | SATB a cappella | 3'
Christmas Motet | From the far-blazing gate of morn
Coelius Sedulius' 5th century Lauds hymn for Christmas is here coupled with the text of John's Gospel. The work uses modal harmonies as well as a mixed-meter melody with a droning "i-son" that hopes to transport the listener into the mystery of the Incarnation.
un-premiered
TEXT
A solis ortus cárdine
Ad usquae terrae límitem,
Christum canámus Príncipem,
Natum María Vírgine.
Beátus auctor saéculi
Servíle corpus índuit:
Ut carne carnem líberans,
Ne pérderet quos cóndidit.
* Verbum caro factum est.
Et habitávit in nobis.
Castae Paréntis víscera
Caeléstis intrat grátia:
Venter Puéllae bájulat
Secréta, quae non nóverat.
Gaudet chorus caeléstium,
Et Angeli canunt Deo;
Palámque fit pastóribus
Pastor, Creátor ómnium.
* Verbum caro factum est.
Et habitávit in nobis. Amen.
-Cœlius Sedulius, * John 1:14
From the far-blazing gate of morn
To earth's remotest shore,
Let every tongue confess to Him
Whom holy Mary bore.
Lo! the great Maker of the world,
Lord of eternal years,
To save his creatures, veil'd beneath
A creature's form appears.
The Word was made flesh.
And dwelt among us. Amen.
A spotless maiden's virgin breast
With heavenly grace He fills;
In her pure wombe He is conceived,
And there in secret dwells.
Straightway with joy the Heav'ns are fill'd,
The host's angels sing;
And shepherds hasten to adore
There Shepherd and their King.
The Word was made flesh.
And dwelt among us. Amen.
translation: Fr. E. Caswall