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Naxos 8.554453 – CHARPENTIER: Motets / Litanies à la Vierge Sacred Music Vol. 4

Lyrics: Latin with English translation

Quatre antiennes à la vierge

[1] Alma Redemptoris, H. 44 Alma Redemptoris

Alma Redemptoris Mater Gentle Mother of the Redeemer

quae pervia caeli porta manes open door of Heaven

et stella maris succurre cadenti and star of the sea, help thy people

surgere qui currat populo. that fall and seek to rise.

Tu quae genuisti, natura mirante, Thou, who bore, to Nature's wonder,

tuum sanctum Genitorem. thy holy Creator,

Virgo prius ac posterius Virgin before and after,

Gabrielis ab ore sumens illud ave, accepting that greeting from Gabriel's mouth,

peccatorum Miserere. have mercy on sinners.

[2] , H. 45 Ave Regina caelorum

Ave Regina caelorum. Hail Queen of Heaven.

Ave Domina Angelorum. Hail ruler of the angels.

Salve radix, salve porta, Hail root, hail door,

ex qua mundo lux est orta. from which light has come to the world. 2

Gaude Virgo gloriosa, Rejoice, glorious Virgin,

super omnes speciosa. fair above all.

Vale, o valde decora, Greeting, outstanding in beauty,

et pro nobis Christum exora. and pray to Christ for us.

[3] , H. 46 Regina Caeli

Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia! Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia!

quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia! for he whom thou wast worthy to bear, alleluia!

Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia! has risen, as he said, alleluia!

Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia! Pray for us to God, alleluia!

[4] , H. 47 Salve Regina

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae, Hail, Queen, mother of mercy,

vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve. our life, our sweetness and our hope, hail.

Ad te clamamus, exsules, filii Evae. To thee do we cry, poor exiled children of Eve.

Ad te suspiramus, To thee we send up our sighs,

gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Eia ergo, advocata nostra, Turn then, our advocate,

illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. thine eyes of mercy towards us

Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui and show us, after this our exile,

nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

O clemens, o pia, o dulcis, Virgo Maria. O clement, O gentle, O sweet Virgin Mary. 3

[5] Prière à la Vierge du Père Bernard, H. 367 Prayer of Father Bernard to the Virgin

Memorare, a piissima virgo Maria, Be mindful, O most gentle Virgin Mary,

non esse auditum a saeculo that it has never been said

quemquam ad tua cunentem that any who had recourse to thy protection,

praesidia tua implorantem, begging thy aid,

auxilia tua petentem, seeking thy help,

petentem suffragia esse derelictum. has ever been abandoned.

Ego tali animatus confidentia Encouraged by such confidence

ad te Virgo Virginum Mater I run to thee, Mother, Virgin of Virgins,

curro ad te venio coram to thee I come,

te gemens peccator assisto. before thee, in mourning, a sinner I stand.

Noli, Mater Verbi, Do not, Mother of the Word,

verba mea despicere, despise my words,

sed audi propitia et exaudi. but hear me favourably and listen.

Amen. Amen.

[6] Litanies à la Vierge, H. 83 Litany of Our Lady

Kyrie eleison, Lord have mercy,

Christe eleison, Christ have mercy,

Kyrie eleison. Lord have mercy.

Christe, audi nos, Christ, hear us. 4

Christe, exaudi nos. Christ, hear us.

Pater de caelis Deus, miserere nobis. God, the Father in Heaven, have mercy on us.

Fili redemptor mundi Deus, God, Son, redeemer of the world, miserere nobis. have mercy on us.

Spiritus Sancte Deus, miserere nobis. God, Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, Holy Trinity, one God, miserere nobis. have mercy on us.

Sancta Maria, Sancta Dei Genitrix, Holy Mary, holy Mother of God,

Sancta Virgo Virginum, ora pro nobis. holy Virgin of Virgins, pray for us.

Mater Christi, Mater divinae Gratiae, Mother of Christ, Mother of Divine Grace,

Mater purissima, Mater castissima, Mother most pure, Mother most chaste,

Inviolata, intemerata, inviolate, incorrupt,

Amabilis, admirabilis, to be loved, to be admired,

Mater Creatoris, Mater Salvatoris, Mother of the Creator, Mother of the Saviour, ora pro nobis. pray for us.

Virgo prudentissima, Virgo veneranda, Virgin most prudent, Virgin to be venerated,

Virgo praedicanda, Virgin to be proclaimed,

Virgo potens, Virgo clemens, Virgin powerful, Virgin merciful,

Virgo fidelis, ora pro nobis. Virgin faithful, pray for us.

Speculum justitiae, Sedes sapientiae, Mirror of Justice, Seat of Wisdom,

Causa nostrae laetitiae, ora pro nobis. Cause of Our Joy, pray for us.

Vas spirituale, Vas honorabile, Spiritual Vessel, Vessel of Honour,

Vas insigne devotionis, ora pro nobis. Excellent Vessel of Devotion, pray for us. 5

Rosa mistica, Turris Davidica, Mystic Rose, Tower of David,

Turris eburnea, Domus aurea, Tower of Ivory, House of Gold,

Foederis arca, Janua caeli, Ark of the Covenant, Gate of Heaven,

Stella matutina, ora pro nobis. Morning Star, pray for us.

Salus infirmorum, Refugium peccatorum, Salvation of the Weak, Refuge of Sinners,

Consolatrix afflictorum, ora pro nobis. Consoler of the Afflicted, pray for us.

Auxilium Christianorum, ora pro nobis. Help of Christians, pray for us.

Regina Angelorum, Regina Patriarcharum, Queen of Angels, Queen of Patriarchs,

Regina Prophaetarum, Regina Apostolorum, Queen of Prophets, Queen of Apostles,

Regina Martirum, Regina Confessorum, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of Confessors,

Regina Virginum, Regina Sanctorum omnium, Queen of Virgins, Queen of All Saints,

ora pro nobis. pray for us.

Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, parce Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, nobis Domine. spare us, O Lord.

Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, nos Dontine. hear us, O Lord.

Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, nobis. have mercy on us.

[7] , H. 76 Magnificat

Magnificat anima mea Dominum. My soul doth magnify the Lord

Et exsultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. meo. For he hath regarded the lowliness of his Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae: handmaiden.

ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call 6

generations. me blessed.

Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est: For he that is mighty hath magnified me,

et sanctum nomen ejus. and holy is his Name.

Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies And his mercy is on them that fear him,

timentibus eum. throughout all generations.

Fecit potentiam in brachio suo: He hath showed strength with his arm;

dispersit superbos mente cordis sui. he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat Deposuit potentes de sede, and hath exalted the humble and meek. et exaltavit humiles. He hath filled the hungry with good things, Esurientes implevit bonis and the rich he hath sent empty away. et divites dimisit inanes. He remembering his mercy Suscepit Israel puerum suum, hath holpen his servant Israel, recordatus misericordiae suae. as he promised to our forefathers, Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros Abraham and his seed, forever. Abraham et semini ejus in saecula. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Gloria Patri, et Filio et Spiritui Sancto, Holy Ghost:

sicut erat in principio, As it was in the beginning

et nunc, et semper, is now and ever shall be,

et in saecula saeculorum. world without end. Amen.

Amen.

[8] Pro omnibus festis B.V.M., H. 333 7

Motet pour toutes les fêtes Motet for all Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary de notre Bienheureuse Vierge Marie

Annuntiate superi, narrate caeli, Declare, spirits above, proclaim, O Heavens, quid sublimius in excelso what is more sublime, on high, quid sanctius sub Deo, what is more holy under God, dicite nobis. tell us.

Non Cherubim, non Seraphim, Not the Cherubim, not Seraphim, non Throni, nec Dominationes not Thrones nor Dominations non Principatus. nec Potestates. not Principalities nor Powers,

Sed una est Sanctissima Maria, but the most Holy Mary is alone, ex mille millibus electa paradisi chosen among a thousand thousands in Paradise, amor et gaudium Love and Joy,

Dei Mater et filia dilecta. Mother and beloved daughter of God.

Annuntiate superi, narrate caeli, Declare, spirits above, proclaim, O Heavens, quid mirabilius in excelso what is more wonderful on high, quid laudibilius sub Deo, what is more praiseworthy under God, dicite nobis. tell us.

Non Patriarchae, nec Prophetae, Not the Patriarchs, nor the Prophets, non Apostoli, nec Evangelistae, not the Apostles nor the Evangelists, non Confessores, not the Confessors,

Sed una est castissima Maria but the most chaste Mary is alone, 8

Ex mille millibus electa angelorum chosen among a thousand thousands of angels,

Deus et gaudium, God and Joy,

Dei Mater et filia dilecta. Mother of God and beloved daughter.

Annuutiate superi, narrate caeli, Declare, spirits above, proclaim, O Heavens, quid splendidius in excelso what is more splendid on high, quid pulchrius sub Deo what is more beautiful under God, dicite nobis. tell us.

Non syderum fulgor amabilis, Not the fair brightness of the stars, non lunae lux mutabilis, not the changing light of the moon, non solis splendor mirabilis. not the wondrous splendour of the sun,

Sed una est formosissima Maria but the most beautiful Mary is alone, ex mille millibus electa chosen among a thousand thousands, gemma virginum nitida et pura. gem of Virgins, shining and pure.

Haec enim virgo faecunditatis honorem habuit For this Virgin had the honour of giving birth et quamvis mater intactum and, though a mother, kept intact illae suae virginitatis florem servavit. the flower of her virginity.

O quam gloriosa dicta sunt de te O what glorious things of thee are told,

Divina Mater, Casta Maria, Virgo faecunda. divine Mother, chaste Mary, fecund Virgin.

Tu enim sola es For you are the only one in qua partus et integritas foedera in whom giving birth and chastity pacis habent. hold the promises of peace. 9

Psallite ergo populi, Sing, then, ye people,

Psallite ergo superi. Sing, ye on high,

Et laetas cantibus nostris sociate voces and join your happy voices to our songs

ut suavi concentu in sweet concord

et delectabili melodia. and choice melody.

Collaudemus virginem Let us praise together the Virgin

cui par non est in orbe of whom there is no equal in the world

nec similis in caelo. nor her like in Heaven.

[9] Petit motet pour la vierge, H. 30 Little Motet for the Virgin

Omni die dic Mariae Every day give Mary

meae laudes, anima, my praise, O my soul.

ejus festa, ejus gesta, Honour her feast, her deeds,

cole, devotissima. most devout.

Contemplare et mirare ejus celsitudinem. Contemplate and wonder at her on high.

Dic felicem genetricem, Call her happy mother,

dic beatam virginem. call her blessed virgin.

ipsam cole ut de mole Honour her that she may free

criminum te liberet. thee from thy many sins.

Hanc appella, ne procella Call on her, lest the storm

criminum te superet of sins overcome thee. 10

Hanc appella. Call on her.

[10] Chant joyeux du temps de Pâques, H. 339 Easter Song

Alleluya Alleluia.

O Filii et filiae rex caelestis, rex gloriae O Sons and Daughters, the King of Heaven,

morte surrexit hodie. the King of Glory has today risen from the dead.

Alleluya. Alleluia.

Et mane prima sabbati, ad ostium monumenti, And early at the first hour of the Sabbath

accesserunt discipuli. the disciples came to the door of the tomb.

Alleluya. Alleluia.

Et Maria Magdalene et Jacobi et Salome And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome venerunt corpus ungere. came to anoint the body. Alleluya. Alleluia. ln albis sedens An angel sitting robed in white praedixit mulieribus: told the women: 'In Galilaea est dominus' 'The Lord is in Galilee'. Alleluya. Alleluia. Et Joannes apostolus cucurrit Petro citius And John the Apostle ran quickly to Peter monumento venit prius. and came first to the tomb. Alleluya. Alleluia. Discipulis astantibus in medio stetit There stood amid the assembled disciples Christus dicens: Christ, saying: 11

'Pax, pax vobis omnibus.' 'Peace, peace to all of you'.

Alleluya. Alleluia.

Ut intellexit Didymus quia surrexerat Jesus When Thomas had understood that Jesus had risen remansit fere dubius. he remained doubting.

Alleluya. Alleluia.

'Vide Thomas, vide latus, 'Behold, Thomas, behold my side,

Vide pedes, vide manus, behold my feet, behold my hands, noli esse incredulous.' do not disbelieve'.

Alleluya. Alleluia.

Quando Thomas vidit Christum pedes, When Thomas saw Christ's feet, manus, latus suum, dixit: his hands, his side, he said:

'Tu, tu es Deus meus'. 'Thou, thou art my God'.

Alleluya. Alleluia.

'Beati qui non viderunt [Christum :] 'Blessed are those that have not seen [the Christ] et firmiter crediderunt, and yet have firmly believed: vitam aeternam habebunt'. they shall have eternal life'.

Alleluya. Alleluia.

In hoc festo sanctissimo On this most holy festival sit laus et jubilatio. be praise and rejoicing.

Benedicamus Domino. Let us bless the Lord.

Alleluya. Alleluia.

Ex quibus nos humillimas devotas atque For which let us give to God debitas our most humble, devout and due thanks. 12

Deo dicamus gratias. Alleluia.

Alleluya.