Cum pervenisset beatus Andreas (Luca Marenzio)

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(Posted 2013-06-01) CPDL #29282:

Editor: Ross Jallo (submitted 2013-06-01). Score information: Letter, 4 pages, 106 kB Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Original key; note values halved. Editorial slurs and accidentals added.

General Information

Title: Cum pervenisset beatus Andreas
Composer: Luca Marenzio

Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Motet

Language: Latin
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1585 in Motectorum pro festis totius anni, no. 31
Description: Motet for the feast of St. Andrew. The piece poses several problems in regard to pitch. The alto part is already low for female altos (though of course quite comfortable for male altos, as Marenzio would have known), reaching the G below middle C, and the bass part is quite high in places, reaching the F above middle C. For a modern mixed choir the notated pitch may be the best compromise; for all-male choirs it may be better to transpose the piece down.

Original text and translations

Latin text

Cum pervenisset beatus Andreas ad locum,
ubi crux parata erat, exclamavit et dixit:
O bona crux, diu desiderata,
et jam concupiscenti animo praeparata:
securus et gaudens venio ad te:
ita et tu exsultans suscipias me,
discipulum ejus qui pependit in te.

English translation

When the blessed Andrew came to the place,
where the cross was made ready, he exclaimed and said:
"O precious cross, for a long time have I desired thee,
and, now that thou art made ready for me, my soul is drawn to thee,
and I come to thee in peace and gladness;
thou also oughtest to welcome me with joy,
for I am the disciple of Him who hung on thee."