Lyrica Classic presents - "CANTICUM FRATRIS SOLIS" by Eli Tamar
"CANTICUM FRATRIS SOLIS" by Eli Tamar
Soprano ELISABETA MARIN
Mezzo-soprano HERMINE HASELBÖCK
Organist NICHOLAS WILL
Congress Graz Stefaniensaal in Graz, Austria.
From the concert of sacred contemporary vocal & organ music "Prayer for Peace" as a part of the international music festival SPREAD NEW MUSIC TO THE WORLD 2022.
In this large-scale composition, Tamar weaves together elements of various styles: from Gregorian chant to medieval polyphonic textures, from Renaissance modal harmonies to impressionistic word painting and Italian verismo, all the while without resorting to stylization. The Canticle of the Creatures, written by St. Francis of Assisi, is also known as the Canticle of the Sun. This hymn was written during the transition period in the development of the Italian language from Latin and is the earliest known vernacular literature written in the Umbrian dialect of Italian. There are three sections to the Canticle:
Praise God for His creations such as "Brother Sun," "Sister Moon," "Brother Wind," "Sister Water"
This section of the Canticle was written at the end of St. Francis's life (1224) as he was recovering from an illness with St. Claire and the Poor Sisters in San Damiano. At this point in his life, St. Francis was almost completely blind, and yet through his suffering, he composed this song of praise of God for all the wonders of creation.
Praise for those who forgive for the love of God and who endure trials in peace
The second part of the Canticle was composed when Francis reconciled the bishop and the podestá (Chief Magistrate) of Assisi. He sent his friars to sing the first part of the canticle in front of them which led to their reconciliation.
Praise for "Sister Bodily Death" and to those "whom death will find in Your most holy will"
According to tradition, the first time the Canticle was sung in its entirety was by Francis and Brothers Angelo and Leo, two of his original companions, on Francis' deathbed. The final verse praising "Sister Death" was said to have been added only a few minutes before Francis' death.
LYRICS:
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
01:42 - Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light?
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.
03:48 - Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens, you have made them bright, precious, and fair.
04:40 - Organ solo (cosmos)
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather’s moods, by which You cherish all that You have made.
07:00 - Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious, and pure.
08:40 - Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom You light the night, and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
11:00 - Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth,
who sustains and governs us, producing varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
11:50 - Praise be You, my Lord, through those who grant pardon for the love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace; by You Most High, they will be crowned.
13:53 - Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Death, from whom no one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.
15:40 - Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks, and serve Him with great humility.
