Nigra sum (Mathieu Gascongne)

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(Posted 2021-09-12) CPDL #65737:

Editor: Bert Schreuder (submitted 2021-09-12). Score information: A4, 9 pages, 262 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Transcribed at original pitch, modern note-values. Further editorial notes in the pdf.

General Information

Title: Nigra sum
Composer: Mathieu Gascongne
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 3vv Voicing: SAT
Genre: Sacred, Motet

Language: Latin
Instruments: A cappella

Manuscript early 16th century in Magdalene College MS 1760
Description: 3-part motet on text taken from the Song of Songs. More info in the pdf.

External websites:

Original text and translations

Latin text

Song of Songs 1:4
Nigra sum sed Formosa
Filia Jerusalem (sic!)
Ideo dilexit me Rex
Et introduxit me in cubiculum suum

Song of Songs 1:5
Nolite me considerare
quod fusca sim quia decoloravit me sol
Posuerunt me custodem in vineis

Song of Songs 2:5
Fulcite me floribus,
stipate me malis,
quia amore langueo.

English translation

I am black but beautiful,
Daughter of Jerusalem
Therefore have I pleased the Lord
and he hath brought me into his chamber

Look not upon me,
because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me
they made me the keeper of the vineyards

Strengthen me with raisins,
refresh me with apples,
for I am faint with love.