HMX 2907356.57 MONASTIC CHANT 12th & 13th C. European Sacred Music

CD1 The Age of Cathedrals 2. Natus est rex Now the words A king is born of the prophets are fulfilled, THEATRE OF VOICES of the Virgin Mary, for unto us Paul Hillier director salvation of the world, a child God the way of eternal life, is born, 1. Resonemus hoc natali whom the undefiled and pious mother as was testified by the holy scriptures, At this birth let us sing out brought forth. for in his death with some special song, is the salvation of our souls. God comes forth today in temporal birth O what joy goes forth from virginal mystery, into the church Virgin to the virgins, let the disputes by reason of this birth, worthy one for all of the faithless cease. the presence of Christ our remedies, and his grace save us from our sins. Indeed the mighty maker of the world and grace. Praise and thanks thus is made the sacrament of the spirit, and thanks. taking on the cloak of flesh He causes that he might bestow aid heavenly joy. He causes … to the human race, They are destined the heavenly assembly is astonished at this. for the land. First Adam The entrance is laid open. brought us to death. After mourning, laughter returns, Faithlessness, Then he paradise is opened, pride, returned us to life. and God is seen upon the earth, power, He has blessed the flesh, the stone uncut by human hand the enemy is broken. taken on in a wondrous fashion, which Daniel saw, he who is seated at the right hand whose coming Gabriel foretold. The entry of the Father. is restored. This is our cornerstone, The king, born Because he has restored admittance the healing hope of the upright, in a manner becoming to man, lost by the taste [of the apple]. this is our saving power gives entry It was neither a debt over the heavens, earth, and sea, and, lost nor our merit, consoling by his act and abandoned but only grace those whom the insolent tyrant oppressed. to generation, and grace. man is set free. He causes … The world praises a new king with song 3. In hoc anni circulo of new melodies. In this turning of the year He has brought us out life is given to the world from the pool of darkness by a child born to us and weight of the Virgin Mary. of lingering woes. My friend and faithful one, Adam, whom the enemy give up idle chatter, weakened and deceived, learn this new song had lost the kingdom of the Virgin Mary. which God had given him, and his grace A fountain from her stream and grace. is born unto the people bound by the chain of death He causes … by the Virgin Mary.

Let him speak to me who does not know for I will tell him without fail: He came forth wonderfully from the Virgin Mary.

THE AGE OF CATHEDRALS / HOQUETUS 1 THEATRE OF VOICES / PAUL HILLIER HMX 2907356.57 MONASTIC CHANT 12th & 13th C. European Sacred Music

What age destroys “You are messenger to the King, 6. Ve mundo he calls back to life, just as you say, so I believe: Woe to the world by scandals, for God abides to him I give and promise myself, woe to you, leaderless, in the Virgin Mary. I, the Virgin Mary. whose liberty is crushed! The eye of Rome is sleeping Know then, a thing quite true, I am the handmaiden of the Lord, as the yoke of the slave bears down upon do not fall into despair: just as you say, so I believe; the priests and the people. God has come for our sake, to dwell I will be mother of the Lord God Woe to those who are fed by offerings in you, Virgin Mary. and yet Virgin Mary.” and who grow fat by taxation, sparing nothing belonging to others Without knowing man The angel came down from heaven that their own might be spared! a rod brought forth a flower, and the lady believed him; But their own treason which remains forever thus we are saved will be turned upon them of the Virgin Mary. by the Virgin Mary. and, breaking, be dashed to pieces by the just judgement of God. “You will not lose virginity I have told you my desire, Who will cultivate the vineyard? you will always be chaste and you, recite henceforth In this fashion the servant conceals just as it is prophesied each new verse with us, pleasantly, their fruits in the well, henceforth Virgin Mary.” of the Virgin Mary. when at the same time now the father, now the advocate To the Son of the highest Father thirsts that the laborers might grow rich. is given abode in a manger, 4. Congaudeant catholici but willingly, Let the Catholic people rejoice, 7. Benedicamus Domino–Humane prolis by the Virgin Mary. let the citizens of heaven be glad Let us praise the Lord, partaker of the human condition, “I am the angel Gabriel Refrain: on this day. let us rejoice with the greatest joy, I bring you greetings, faithful one, by a singular mystical mystery, God comes down from on high Let the clergy devote themselves the Son now born of God, to you, Virgin Mary.” to beautiful songs and hymns. rightly and properly, the man of God shall applaud, An animal standing by This is the praiseful day, express his approbation, saying: adores the acknowledged one, resplendent with divine light. this infant born To the triune God of the Virgin Mary. Conquering the sword of Herod, be honor without end, he accepted the gift of life. praise and rejoicing, When the queen hears him, power with authority, thus she responds reverently: By which Jacob ascended let there be highest praise “Let it be according to his will into the heavenly temple. to the Father with the Son, unto the Virgin Mary.” let there be highest praise Therefore let us praise God, to the Father with the Son O blessed woman, who is without end. and to the Holy Spirit. the burden of whose womb washes away the sins of the world, To the Father of all, from the Virgin Mary. let us express our thanks in praise. 8. In natale At the birth of the Savior, When the queen hears him our nature sings thus she loves and so rejoices: 5. De monte with the choirs of angels; “Let it be according to his choice From out of the mountain the stone is hewn, the harmony of many diverse voices, unto you,Virgin Mary.” yet no assisting hand led back to unity, is interposed. is a sweet blending. To him praise and glory, From out of the earth the fountain springs forth, honor, power, grace, The Father and Creator of all things This happy day on which distinction and vicory, is born of the daughter. the coeternal of the Father from the Virgin Mary. O, veiled in the cloak is born of a virgin; of man, in majesty, happy and joyful day! without benefit of seed, The world rejoices to be illumined God is born of a virgin. by the light of the true sun.

THE AGE OF CATHEDRALS / HOQUETUS 2 THEATRE OF VOICES / PAUL HILLIER HMX 2907356.57 MONASTIC CHANT 12th & 13th C. European Sacred Music

That sinful man might not perish, O Mary, star of the sea, 10. Propter veritatem God the Father has sent after God, sole hope Because of your rectitude and mildness and the only-begotten redeemer; to the foundering of the ages, righteousness, he will lead you out, in a marvelous he has come among those whom he loved, behold with what deceit way, at his right hand. and grace—not merit— and with what violence has called us again to life. so many and such jealous rivals vex us. Hear, daughter, and behold, and incline your ear, because the king has desired your beauty. He is infinite and limitless, Through you virtue is given to us, he whom no sense grasps through you, mother, the pride Because of your recitude … nor space contains; of the demons is driven away; out of eternity he is made temporal, commend us to your Son, out of immensity he takes on limits, that his quick and dreadful 11. Orienti oriens that he might restore all things. judgement not strike us. Rising from the East, a new star has appeared, Taking on not sin but its appearance, Jesus our Salvation, coming forth from Jacob, he tempers himself who wisely brings about the morning-star has shone forth, to our decay; the mystery of salvation, foretold by Balaam, that his immortal nature give to those who honor this birth as he once proclaimed. might be bestowed upon the mortal; temporal health and his spiritual nature, upon the flesh. and everlasting joy. The author of time is born in the evening of the ages. Thus do they come together The master of works in the unity of a single person: 9. Lilium floruit is recognized by the wise, word, flesh, and spirit: A lily has blossomed he is believed to be worthy of veneration, so that his nature is not changed, in the verdant fields one by virtue of the three. nor his person made dual, which the fountain of Lebanon, but is wholly one. with its cleansing waters, In frankincense, divinity; soothes and refreshes in gold, dominion; The sacrament of such a thing with its fragrant breezes. in myrrh, humility drives the deceitful enemy into hiding, and the punishment of death; wickedness is defeated; Hasten quickly, let the love of the faithful the blind enemy does not foresee the flock plays offer these three things. what, beneath the cloud of flesh, in the fertile pastures. the wisdom of God effects. And the crowds follow the lamb among the lilies, 12. Virgo flagellatur No amount of subtle arguments who became a shepherd, The virgin is scourged can undo the knot having assumed the mantle of flesh, by excruciating hunger, of this pledge; and by the mystery of the cross she is bound in prison, she remains enclosed, it is not for me to know the means; crushed the throat of the demon, a heavenly light shines forth. nonetheless, I know that God is able to do bringing remedy to the guilty. The incense burns, what reason cannot understand. the heavenly hosts sing sweet praises. The presence of the bridegroom How subtle is the plan of God, returns to the bridal chamber, The groom loves the bride, how sublime the mystery of the thing! he who, with wondrous power, the savior comes to her. The rod brings forth a flower, flew above the cherubs, the lamb brings forth blood, foreseeing The incense … a virgin brings forth a son. all hidden things. Glory be to the Father and to the Son Conception did not offend modesty, Hasten quickly … and to the Holy Spirit. nor did birth harm the freshness of the flower Conceiving The splendor of amber The virgin … and giving birth, has indeed burst forth she remains a lily. and the glittering sea has flowed from Zion. 13. Mors The most foul serpent Death. has now been destroyed.

Hasten quickly …

THE AGE OF CATHEDRALS / HOQUETUS 3 THEATRE OF VOICES / PAUL HILLIER HMX 2907356.57 MONASTIC CHANT 12th & 13th C. European Sacred Music

14. Templum cordis Justly called light of the sea, The people of the nations Let us adorn the temple of our hearts, singular ornament among mothers, huddling in the darkness let us renew with young hearts true bearer of truth, rise up at the joy the new joy of the old man; way, life, love, of so celebrated a birth. for, as he holds him in his arms, remedy of the ages; Judea nourishes its resentment the long-awaited desire of the old man vessel of the living fount of life, in the shadows, is restored. which all rightly thirst after, its heart bearing the knowledge sweet to the healthy and to the sick, of the fatal crime. Standing in the sign of his people, health-giving draught filling the temple with light, the choir with praise, for the weary. Those who had drunk the dregs their hearts with glory, of the most villanous ferment the boy is presented in the temple; Fountain marked hasten at the promises then, on the cross, the man is offered by sancity, of unleavened bread; as a sacrifice for our sins. pour out upon our banks, they are the ones stream over us, who had long stood close to God On one side, the Savior, on the other, Mary, fountain of the and these the newest holy child, holy mother, enclosed garden, who were first. let them move solemnly; refresh our parched spirits with votive offerings, with the water The birth which you destroy let the work of light, symbolized of your streams. O wretched Judea! by the light of candles, be brought to completion. of him whom you denounce to us Fountain overflowing, because he teaches the law; The Word of the Father is true light; be outpouring if you refuse the new law the Flesh, pure wax; and wash away then believe the old law, Christ is the shining taper; the depravity of our hearts, in this One, whom you accuse, his heart lights the way to wisdom, fountain unpolluted, behold the Christ. by which whoever wanders in vice most pure, takes the path of virtue. purify You entangle yourself always from the impure world in the ancestral error; Holding Christ in love, the heart of a worldly people. as you point the way he bears well the waxen light, wandering aimlessly: according to the custom of the solemn feast; among these things which you preach thus the old man, with vows, 15. Benedicamus Domino you strew into the midst touched the Word of the Father, Let us give blessings to the Lord, the prophetic foundations, and held in his arms the corporeal pledge of thanks to God. below the gospel. [the mother. Rejoice, mother of the Creator, The mysteries of the Mosaic Law modest within, pure without, 16. Beata viscera have been closed; free of stain or blemish; Blessed flesh the fruit of the mystical rod chosen by the beloved, of the Virgin Mary, is unknown to nature; beloved by the chosen one, at whose breasts water from a stone, sweet wife to God. the king of eminent name, a column leading the way, concealing, under altered guise, are early signs Beholding you, the force of his divine nature, for the people of God. any other beauty is clouded, has sealed a pac disfigured, abhorrent; of God and man. Vision does not endure tasting of you, to behold in its radiance any other flavor is bitter, Refrain: the sun, unconcealed, repellent, foul. O astonishing novelty as he rises forth, pure. and unaccustomed joy Let the wholly enclosed womb Sensing you, any other perfume of a mother still pure of the woman delivered of child seems not to give off fragrance, after childbirth. behold from the side but to smell; as it is reflected. cherishing you, any other love is to be shunned Translation: Barbara De Marco or despaired of absolutely.

THE AGE OF CATHEDRALS / HOQUETUS 4 THEATRE OF VOICES / PAUL HILLIER HMX 2907356.57 MONASTIC CHANT 12th & 13th C. European Sacred Music

CD2 Hoquetus 6 7 & 8 Entre Adan et Hanikel/Chiès bien séans Two Hocket Motets THEATRE OF VOICES Adam de la Halle (b.1245/50–d.?1285/88); music by a “Spainard”; ? Paul Hillier director Montpellier Codex These two compositions (deploying the same 1–4 Although there are no actual hockets in this basic music in two different rhythmic modes) are in fact two of the four hockets mentioned Four In seculum Hockets motet, the first of its two texts gives us a vivid sense of how the technique might be employed above, with the addition of a fourth fully-texted Bamberg Codex in a sociable context. voice. This sequence consists of four originally textless hockets from the Bamberg Codex, a major Adam and Hanikel I will never love source of mid-13th century polyphony. These Hancart and Gautelot Another than she whom I loved are conventionally performed as instrumental enjoy great pleasure and With a fine heart. works, but are here vocalized to the syllables of have their fun. I gave her my love the word “alleluia” (one syllable to each hocket). How they shake I do not leave off my search for her now The two hocketing upper voices are freely And even slap noisily Neither for snow nor for frost. constructed over a cantus firmus in the lowest Which makes Gods, what will I say to her, the beautiful one voice, which is based on a segment of chant for Their lady tremble who has my heart and my love? the words “in seculum.” Each hocket exploits a After they had kissed different rhythmic mode, and the effect is Saint Tortuel [drunk some wine]. Because of her I am very sad: further heightened by the sustained single vowel And if they sing everything, old and new, I have no sleep night or day colour which only changes at the end of each of Without written music, When I see her little mouth, the first three hockets. The full titles and their Gautelos delivers the song Her fresh color, her plaits and curls— prevailing rhythms are: So correctly and so beautifully Which are not those of a commoner— In seculum longum That it seems to his mouth My plaints are a testament to my love In seculum viellatoris That he must To courtesy and to honor. In seculum breve Hold it to the end. Hey, sweet love! In seculum d’Amiens longum And when they make the mold The hard life persists All four of them together As I am 5 And break the plaster Always Iam nubes dissolvitur With their shaking Crying for you: Relieve me of my great suffering. Montpellier Codex They are so happy, So gay, so joyous Translation: Kate van Orden This short motet features overlapping sequential And so full of laughter— imitation in the two upper voices which creates These four children— 9 a single main melodic line. It is from the That nothing bothers them. Ave maris stella [organ solo] Montpellier Codex, the largest extant manuscript of 13th century polyphonic music. Graceful head, Probably compiled by c.1420, the Codex Waving and shaking Now the clouds dissolve Faenza is the only large extant source of Ars Smooth brow, gleaming and beautiful, Now the Milky Way lies open Nova instrumental music. It contains a variety Attracting looks, Now the flowers burst into bloom, of works, including elaborate arrangements of Changeable, humbling, Now Mary ascends. French and Italian trecento vocal compositions Catlike and appealing, Now the true grave can be seen and free improvisations over plainsong Nose measured to perfect proportions, Now the way is revealed melodies. (Some new vocal works were added Laughing little mouth, Now gentle Mary prays later in the 15th century.) It seems clear that Vermillion with white teeth, Earnestly for us the music, which is notated in score rather than Well-formed throat, That we may attain paradise. separate parts, was indeed intended for Supple neck, keyboard performance. In this first piece the Hard and pointed feet, Now a new star arises left hand paraphrases the Marian hymn “Ave Raised rosebud, Now the Milky Way lies open maris stella.” Gracious manner: Now He is born of Judea The more he returns Now Mary ascends. She enchants him so much Now the heavens are thrown open That Adam is taken. Now in the celestial courts Translation: Kate van Orden He gives us eternal joys Christ, whose mother and yet child you are, O Mary. Translation: Margaret Miller

THE AGE OF CATHEDRALS / HOQUETUS 5 THEATRE OF VOICES / PAUL HILLIER HMX 2907356.57 MONASTIC CHANT 12th & 13th C. European Sacred Music

10 I fear Refusal so much, Avoid all bad habits; corps qui/De souspirant cuer Who would displease me, Be strong in your music. And Danger, my adversary, Guillaume de Machaut (b.?1300–d.1377) Who fought such a heavy battle against me To that praiseworthy science, In later , hockets are normally That Love put me in retreat, Venerable music, brought into play as a special rhythmic device Or mercy soon to come The science of rhetoric to liven things up towards the end of a From my lovely lady, Sends greetings with every reverence, composition. Machaut wrote the words and Or to die from longing. O sweetest, most gracious of subjects music, and took the word sighing (souspirant) Translation: Kate van Orden I bring you this message, as a cue to incorporate a gentle hocket even at complaining thus loudly the outset of the piece. This motet also 11 Because the greatest corruption demonstrates in a sophisticated manner how Musicalis sciencia/Sciencie laudabili Was made by many voices singing the interplay between different voices can itself anonymous; Collection de Picardie, Bibliothèque In our compositions: create a kind of verbal hocket, which is then nationale de France Now the simple things are divided into parts, artfully fitted into the musical texture. Causing heavy sighs. A praise-motet to musical theorists (has any This is why I respectfully plead contemporary composer done likewise?) in Everyone who wishes That there be a remedy for listening to these which the poems are cast as a pair of letters, as To have the cure for love things. if from the Quadrivium sciences Music (upper Should logically incline— Translation: Margaret Miller And this is love’s direction— voice=triplum) and Rhetoric (middle voice= duplum). Note that Rhetoric complains about Where his heart moves him 12 Music’s use of short rests between syllables, i.e., From hope as much as to have. Or sus, vous dormés trop [organ solo] For this my cure the hocket! Accordingly, the composer is careful to use hockets in a way that does not offend based on a three-voice, anonymous virelai in the Which is formed by Nature Ivrea Codex, late 14th century And sufficient homages Rhetoric’s sensibilities. Owing to Nature And to she who pricked me The science of music 13 In a bad way, Which rules melodies Ave Rex gentis With all-encompassing direction Now I have a pityable sting Hail King of the English And its practical arts That causes the illness I suffer Soldier of the King of the Angels Is especially delightful Which makes me O Edmund, flower of martyrdom When written according to the precepts Languish from desire just like a rose or a lily: Of de Douacho, called Thomas When I see Pour forth your prayers to God Whose renown came from Rome, the Sweet Creature watching For the benefit of the faithful. From her gracious face, John of the walls also And Phillip de Viteri By which my heart is ravished 14 Norman Dionysius And filled with ardor. Deus tuorum militum/De flore And Egidius de Burces And this is how Love made me martirum/Ave Rex gentis Gaudefrido de Baralis Suffer the bite O God, of all your soldiers, Valquerus of Valenciennes Of his illness without hurt Of high rank and low, And Robert Palacio And without contempt The flower, Edmund, shines forth Also Ingelbert Louchart The only help for my sadness In all the round curve of the world. The one called Garino of Soissons Left to me now May you sing praises, extolling the martyrs: Egidius de Morino, I seek from my pure lady, This chorus of those who embraced death Reginald of Tyremont To be able to have mercy Is saved from the entangling web of sin. G. d’Orbendas and Jean duPont From she who I served: So that the world may be remade for God, Guisard de Cameraco I can count on this. O loving Christ, bestow And Reginald of Balliol And as to that one says, you see, Grace on the congregations Also Guillaume de Machaut It is better to remain happy For their prayers, and glory. By prayers than to languish Petro Blavot and Matheo De Luceu, James of Arras By being silent and then to die. Let us sing today I wish to greet them, and observe With noble voice Their rules, entrusted From a sighing painful heart Of the flower of the martyrs, To you to use as you please I cry—and well should I do so— Gravely wounded, So your rhythms may not be contrary For which reason I boldly took Of the triple crown for those who are deserving. To the rhetorical model To recount my great sadness He who carries, as a special distinction, Or to the grammatical form; When it was too difficult to keep silent. The palm of the martyr, Lest the unintelligible tongue, cut to pieces, In this way I am smitten by looking His hand carries the royal And because of it be obligated to fall silent;

THE AGE OF CATHEDRALS / HOQUETUS 6 THEATRE OF VOICES / PAUL HILLIER HMX 2907356.57 MONASTIC CHANT 12th & 13th C. European Sacred Music

Glory of the Virgin. Martyr Edmund, a flower before all others, Buried with precious gems and abundant gold That chaste garment You restore steps to the lame with your prayers, measured out in your tomb. Is stained with blood, You heal the leper and set the captives free, Granted the holy crown with joy in honor and And royal dominion You protect us from the enemy with right judgment, grace in heaven Is given over to the wolf. You spare the slave because of the gentleness of your heart. Thomas, most highly venerated among the With wondrous control Edmund Be a martyr for us at life’s end, citizens of heaven, embraces the virgin at the same time as Carry our deserved praises to the Lord. You have prayed now on behalf of the people he groans again for martyrdom. Translations: Margaret Miller with impassioned charity, inspired by these Therefore He is called Three In One stormy times. In His three names 16 Thomas, slain by the enemy in Dover He gives aid Beata viscera You died, and suddenly shining by divine, to His servants with grace Worcester Fragments, English, late 13th century wondrous love And His purity The text is a trope of the Communion hymn, At morning and at evening in the grace of Cleanses us whose plainsong is paraphrased in the lowest uncreated light: like a spreading stream. from every spot. voice and harmonised in the flowing, first- You are raised to the courts of the Father inversion triads so characteristic of English remaining throughout eternity Hail King of the English music of this period. The healthy are freed Soldier of the King of the Angels. from sudden destruction through you Blessed womb You serve health with your knowledge of 15 Of the virgin Mary medicine for shivering, far away from Ave miles celestis/Ave rex patrone/ Which, pregnant with the fruit quackery. Ave Rex Of the eternal offspring, Purge the forgiven people of the filth of the Ms. originated in Bury St. Edmund’s Drinks deep from the cup of life Serpent, direct them. The English martyr, Edmund, was king of East Through all the ages: May you be called by the title “distinguished in Anglia in the 9th century, and a Feast in his For the good of mankind grace,” spoken of above honour was introduced in 1013 on the day of You deemed this sweet gift to be fitting. Remus and Romulus with trembling. his death, November 20th. Both motets have Translation: Margaret Miller You were raised up among the holy and chosen by Tenors based on the same chant melody (heard grace in track 13), but illustrate quite different 17 Buried in the beautiful church because of your compositional techniques. In the first motet Thomas gemma Cantuarie/ merits when you died (for three voices), there are two texts sung Thomas cesus in Doveria Because of your inspiration, your preeminence in sanctity; simultaneously, while the Tenor is a single voice Worcester Fragments; English, 14th century organised iso-rhythmically; in the second motet You were granted the holy crown with joy in This motet in honour of St. Thomas (à Becket) (for four voices), the Tenor is joined by a honor and grace, most highly venerated of Canterbury and St. Thomas de la Hale second supporting voice with which it among the citizens of heaven, remaining so (d. 1295) of Dover Priory, combines rondellus exchanges melodic material and passages of blessed in the stormy sky without end. technique into a set of variations based on the hocket. The upper pair of voices each have their Translation: Margaret Miller opening phrase “Thomas gemma Cantuarie.” own text, but these are heard consecutively, a Interestingly, it is the lower pair of voices which phrase at a time, while the two voices also feature hocket. exchange melodic material. Thomas, foremost jewel of Canterbury, Hail soldier of the celestial courts Slain in the church for observing the faith, Whom the honor of victory adorns; Suddenly shining by divine, wondrous love Enjoying rest in God for the living At morning and evening in the grace of In the manner of heavenly beings uncreated light: Now you are slain Lofty places were restored to you again. With the most elevated citizens. You are elevated to the court of the King Nevertheless you do not desert your people on account of your loyalty, Whom you know to be devoted to you Twice now through you the people are freed Your deeds strengthen faith with every retelling from the destruction of death The blind see, the dead rise From filth and bitterness, The intercessors are supported in such a king From the evil and the trivial, Let us, the devoted people, bless the Lord. Purified from the filth of the Serpent. From every quarter may you be called by the title Hail king of our protectress, of our homeland, “distinguished in grace;” Morning light of Saxony, You are raised up to this place above the perfect Shining upon us at midday, and the chosen ones, Star over the children of Anglia: Healing the sick with a river of compassionate tears,

THE AGE OF CATHEDRALS / HOQUETUS 7 THEATRE OF VOICES / PAUL HILLIER HMX 2907356.57 MONASTIC CHANT 12th & 13th C. European Sacred Music

18 It pleased the three wise men 20 Doleo super te/Absolon, fili mi To bring him gifts, triple in their mystic virtue, Campanis cum cymbalis/Honoremus English, early 14th century Speaking of miraculous things, the king, dominam Very God, and yet man, wondrous power. The middle voice (“Absolon, fili mi”) is based English, 14th century on the plainsong Magnificat antiphon “Rex Hocket is here used in the lower voices to give autem David.” Balaam said, prophesying, Now from the house of Jacob, glittering, the effect of tolling bells. I grieve over your body, Undertaking to illumine the world, A new star shines forth. With Campanian cymbals my brother Jonathan, With lyres and psaltery whom I loved, surpassing the love of women. Let all the chorus of mankind As a mother loves her only child It pleased the three wise men To bring him gifts, triple in their mystic virtue, Sing praise to the Lord of Heaven So much did I delight in you. with organ and in individual modes Jonathan’s arrows shall nevermore fly forth. Speaking of miraculous things, the king, Very God, and yet man, wondrous power. for the giving of joy; His shield shall not protect him in battle, with merry little tunes Nor shall his spear fly from his hand. let Him be praised through the ages. David weeps for his dearest Jonathan. Balaam, prophesying concerning him, said, The star shines forth, gleaming red, From the house of Jacob. Let us bless the great Lady, Absalom, my son, Chosen royal mistress my son, Absalom, And he shall destroy the battle lines of the leaders of the land of Moab with his greatest power. Over the courts of heaven, who will allow me to die in your stead Mother of the king of glory, My son, Absalom? To him the Magi brought those famous gifts: gold, along with frankincense, and myrrh. Constant in rejoicing; David weeps for his most beautiful Absalom. Let devoted prayers be to the Mother Translation: Margaret Miller They foretold the coming of God, After the Son, on behalf of this transitory life. Translation: Margaret Miller 19 the great king, with gold and frankincense; They foretold the death of man with myrrh. Epiphaniam domino/Balaam inquit 21 Montpellier Codex; English, late 13th century The angel warned them in a dream Sangilio [organ solo] The fourth and fifth stanzas of this Epiphany Not to return to the king so enraged over his anonymous, Codex Faenza, 15th century sequence are sung polyphonically, that is, the kingdom. The name of this piece is inspired guesswork on chant melody continues in the lowest voice, For indeed he was fearing greatly the newborn the part of musicologist Dragan Plamenac, as while the upper two voices enjoy extensive king, afraid of losing his right to rule. the original markings are almost in- hocketing. In both sections the text is presented decipherable. It has been suggested that first with two straight upper voices above it, The Magi rapidly pursued their journey with “Sangilio” may be Ferrarese dialect for San then the music is repeated, while the upper the star shining before them on the way Egidio, a place near Ferrara, and thus indicates voices engage in extensive hocketing—a clear Which led them to their own country the work’s place of origin rather than its title. example of how hocketing might have been Leaving behind the borders of Herod’s land. improvised in performance. He was smitten in his heart so much with rage Let us sing to the Lord of the glorious He sent magical spells out of the temple, Epiphany That they might not leave without punishment, Whereon the Magi worshipped the Son of the but that soon their lives would be forfeit. True God. From Chaldaea and Persia Now all the companies join, ringing with They venerated that awesome power, elaborate phrases of musical praise, Of whom the prophets said, offering the mystical king, Christ, He will come to save the people. The precious gifts of their kings. Calling upon His holy name, that He may Whose majesty was so inclined protect His kingdom throughout the world, To take on the form of a servant, now and forever. Amen. Before all ages, he who is God was made man, Translation: Margaret Miller Begotten of Mary.

Balaam said, prophesying, Now from the house of Jacob, glittering, Undertaking to illumine the world, Gleaming red, a new star shines forth.

THE AGE OF CATHEDRALS / HOQUETUS 8 THEATRE OF VOICES / PAUL HILLIER HMX 2907356.57 MONASTIC CHANT 12th & 13th C. European Sacred Music

22 You spread the fruit of the palm among your 24 Venecie mundi splendor/ own, Ever-noble conqueror. O zentil madona mia Michael qui Stena domus a two-voice ballata from the Codex Musicale, Johannes Ciconia (c.1335–1411) Merciful, just, you are blessed, Bologna Ciconia was born in the Liège region of You are called decorous in your manners; modern Belgium; by 1401 he was in Padua You are considered the defender O my gentle lady where he lived for the rest of his life. This of the Catholic faith. I take my leave of you with tears, motet honours Venice and its Doge, Michele To God, To God I recommend you, Steno. Padua was conquered by Venice in 1405, You extend merited gifts to the good, Kind lady, graceful and pious. and Margaret Bent (in her edition of the You pour out punishments upon the evildoers, collected works of Ciconia, Monaco, 1985) your laws are worthy to be called Alas, love, alas, joy, alas, alas, suggests that the work might have been written a sword of justice. I leave with great pain, for the occasion on January 3, 1406, when Always weeping for you, my dear lady. Zabarella (Ciconia’s patron) made formal Wise, prudent, gentle father submission on behalf of the Commune of (O divine law, it is as if you were his mother) Mercy, in God’s name, Mercy, in God’s name, Padua to the Doge of Venice outside San Intellectual virtue is like a brother to you Mercy, in God’s name, Marco. Note that Ciconia places his own name You strive zealously for the republic. For I tremble like a leaf, at the end of the first text, like a painter signing For you, my lady, for whom the world has no his work in the corner of a picture. I pray that a place will be given to you equal. To be a servant of God in heaven Venice, splendor of the world, to be joined with Him before His throne Now I call upon bitter death, Since you adorn Italy Through all eternal ages. Amen. Because I have lost my sweet comfort, Every envy of you flourishes, Alas, alas, I wish I had died Of your rule of moral purity. Every evil against Italian moral purity Before leaving you. Rejoice widely, o worthy mother Rejoice, Mother of the sea, in the health For you, in a gentle voice, O my gentle lady By which every evil is purged away. “Save us from these things, o Mary” I take my leave of you with tears, You are a bulwark between land and sea Sings Johannes Ciconia. To God, To God I recommend you, A nurse for the miserable. Translation: Margaret Miller Kind lady, graceful and pious. Translation: Massimo Ossi Rejoice widely, worthy maiden, 23 for you, being of the first rank, carry the standard Amor mi fa cantar (on you alone are these honors bestowed) a monophonic ballata from the Vatican Rossi Codex of your ducal lord. Rejoice, conqueress over foreigners Love makes me sing to Francesca For the power of the Venetians Why this may be I cannot say, Is not given over to those who would For that woman who makes me languish. undermine you, but holds sway over earth and sea. I fear she would not join me in an affair, I have resolved to hide my heart from her Now you conquer, you and your strong armies, And to consume myself instead for her love. bring back peace to your gates, and you break the jaws of death So that at least I’ll die for gentle reasons. for your faithful people. Women, I can tell you that this much is true, That this woman for whom I weep and sing, For you, in a gentle voice, Is like a rose among thorns, soft and fresh. (May Mary keep you Love makes me sing to Francesca. continuing in this way) Translation: Massimo Ossi Johannes Ciconia sings. Amen

Michael, you who carry the burden As Duke of the house of Steno: honor be unto you, because you, good man, have led a life of celibacy.

Similar to Apollo, sweet prince The world promises you “Safety”

THE AGE OF CATHEDRALS / HOQUETUS 9 THEATRE OF VOICES / PAUL HILLIER HMX 2907356.57 MONASTIC CHANT 12th & 13th C. European Sacred Music

25 Between Gubbio and Agnone [towns near The great son of Padua, Per larghi prati Perugia], there’s not a tavern-keeper who does Francis, whom they call Zabarella, Giovanni da Firenze/Giovanni da Cascia, not know, Prays, adoring (fl. Northern Italy, 1340–50) That, for our little husbands, the spirit of gentle [St.] Francis. Giovanni, one of the earliest known Italian They can keep us good and warm. May you be the guardian on high, composers, was organist at the Florence Duomo protecting your servant who prays to you, in the mid-14th century. This piece features a Under the cover of darkness, tu-tu-tu, the first Whom all the world praises because of your madrigal poem given a caccia-style setting (a one will do it, under the cover of darkness, remarkable, glorious actions. caccia was a hunt or chase song), typically using tu tu Blessed St. Francis, listen with goodwill to the lively rhythmic declamation and elements of the servant, ti ti ti, will take care of you deserving prayers of this great learned man, canonic imitation and hocket. At one point and find her, from whom the descendants of Antenor* (after the change of meter from modern 6/8 to and will find her, tu, tu, and do it receive good laws. Thou noble man, 3/4), there is a characteristic Italian hocket the servant, ti, ti, will do it, though enclosed by the weight of the flesh, between all three voices which briefly delineates Between Gubbio and Agnone, Lead us through the deep forests along the a triad. there’s not a tavern-keeper who does not know, heavenly path: That, for our little husbands, Come, o guide of the faithful. Amen. On wide meadows and through They can keep us good and warm. *Antenor was the legendary founder of Padua. Translation: Massimo Ossi great thick woods, Translation: Margaret Miller graceful ladies and lovely young women, Dressed in well-fitting clothes with their hair 28 loose, Benedicamus domino [organ solo] With bows, cutlasses, and with arrows, Codex Faenza And with greyhounds on leashes, ran on the An organ solo from the Faenza Codex, hunt, paraphrasing a liturgical Benedicamus melody Killing and taking with elaborate figuration. “Benedicamus Stags, roebucks, boars, and wolves, Domino” was sung at the end of a service and Entering alone in the darkest places was often used as an opportunity for musical In order to rest [there] in the shade. display of various kinds. Translation: Massimo Ossi 29 26 Ut te per omnes celitus/ “Mediolano” Sanctus Ingens alumnus Padue Italian, 14th century Johannes Ciconia (c.1335–1411) This setting, which makes vivid use of hocket This isorhythmic motet honours the composer’s and syncopation, was probably written in adopted city and is addressed both to his patron northern Italy during the 14th century. Zabarella, Archbishop of the Padua Cathedral, Mediolano probably refers to the Milan region. and to Zabarella’s patron, St Francis; the text offers intercession for Zabarella as a great Holy. teacher and wise lawyer and prayeres for the Lord God of the Sabbath, Franciscan order. Heaven and earth are full of thy glory Hosanna in the highest. So that we may follow you to heaven Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the through all the buffets of life Lord. Hosanna in the highest. [St.] Francis, let us seek the light Translation: Margaret Miller to cleanse our souls with worship. You who sit in eternal glory, gazing upon the All- 27 Father Cum martelli/La manta Who nods yes to all things, Italian, 14th century Destroy in us that which desires wrongdoing. The text of this inventive piece is incomplete O vassal of Christ, patiently extend to us and does not make sense except as a general The wounds in your own hands play on the image of hammering and love. Like those which He took upon Himself; So that in this way that happy Rule, With hammers and anvils, the servant, ti ti, will Known by the name of the Smaller Brothers, take care of you and find her, tu tu tu tu, and Of which you were the Founder, will go “tu-tu-tu,” otherwise we’ll die. May continue, vibrant and alive, singing about you in glory through the ages. Amen.

THE AGE OF CATHEDRALS / HOQUETUS 10 THEATRE OF VOICES / PAUL HILLIER