David, rex propheta (Jean Crespel)

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• (Posted 2012-10-08)  CPDL #27286:       

Editor: Mick Swithinbank (submitted 2012-10-08).   Score information: 20.1 x 27.6 cm, 11 pages, 91.81 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: In the original key in modern clefs. Source: Liber nonus ecclesiasticarum cantionum 5 vocum, Susato, Antwerp 1554 (accessed via Royal Holloway website, earlymusiconline).

General Information

Title: David, rex propheta
Composer: Jean Crespel

Number of voices: 5vv   Voicing: SAATB
Genre: Sacred, Motet

Language: Latin
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1554 in Ecclesiasticarum cantionum quinque vocum, liber 9, no. 13
Description: A setting of a non-Biblical text praising King David as a musician - probably a unique text, of unknown authorship. Musical instruments are mentioned, and to some extent musically imitated, in Part Two.

Original text and translations

Latin text David rex propheta Dei David musicorum decus non tantum sacris victimis festisque caeremoniis sed musicis concentibus sed dulcibus harmoniis Deum placare studuit. Quater mille dictu mirum usus est cantoribus qui Deum laudibus piis confiterentur fervidi voce tuba lyra cornu David vos sit exemplo heus quot quot estis musici.

English translation King David was God’s prophet. David, that glory of musicians, strove to please God, not so much with sacrifices and festive ceremonies as with music and sweet harmonies. He used, wondrous to tell, four times a thousand singers, to confess their devotion to God with an ardent voice, and with the trumpet, lyre and horn. Let David serve as an example to all of you musicians. (With thanks to Dana F. Sutton for help with the translation)