Carole magnus erat (Thomas Crecquillon)

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• (Posted 2025-11-16)  CPDL #87459:     

Editor: Drew Sellis (submitted 2025-11-16).   Score information: A4, 8 pages, 160 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Note values halved, written pitch retained.

General Information

Title: Carole magnus erat
Composer: Thomas Crecquillon
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 5vv   Voicing: SATTB
Genre: Sacred, Motet

Language: Latin
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1554 in Cantionum sacrarum liber 1, no. 6
Description: A motet in honour of then Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, in whose court chapel Crecquillon worked.

Original text and translations

Latin text Carole, magnus erat, quis nescit, Carolus ille? Quis, Carole, cui sua sors magni nomen habere dedit? Tu vero hoc sis maior, victricibus armis, Consensu titulum maximus orbis habes. Esse parum tamen id, Caesar sanctissime, credis, Cui decus est longe grandius esse pium.

English translation Charles, great was he, who does not know that Charles? Who, Charles, to whom his fate gave the name derived from greatness? But you indeed are greater: though victorious in arms, You hold by the world’s consent the title Maximus. Yet you, most holy Caesar, believe that this is too little, For to you the honour far greater is to be pious.