Description
Atmospheric setting of the Latin Sub tuum praesidium, an 11th-century translation of the ancient Greek hymn to the Virgin Mary (3rd–4th century CE). The choral parts flow smoothly between ornamented unison chant, reminiscent of the Byzantine origins of the text, subtly chromatic harmonic shifts, and fleeting moments of understated polyphony. Sung mainly in mid-register and comprising intuitive, ‘singable’ melodic lines, the piece is suitable for leisure-time, church, cathedral, collegiate, and university-level choirs with sight-reading ability and/or plenty of time to learn by ear. Rhythmic independence of parts, and unusual ornamentation present the most substantial rehearsal challenges.
Crucial Info
Forces: SATB
Duration: c. 4′
Text: Sub tuum praesidium (Latin)
Date of composition: 2017
Premiere: . . . TBC, post-pandemic!
Listen
Midi demo (no-one likes midi, but it’s better than nothing!):
Perusal Score
Text
Latin Text
Sub tuum praesidium confugimus,
Sancta Dei Genetrix.
Nostras deprecationes ne despicias
in necessitatibus nostris,
sed a periculis cunctis
libera nos semper,
Virgo gloriosa et benedicta
English translation
We fly to Thy protection,
O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always
from all dangers,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
Please contact Stef for more information and/or a license to perform this piece.