Description:
Since early 2002 I have been writing a number of Laude. Each one features the soprano voice, some unaccompanied solo, some with other voices, some with instruments. They are all written for Anna Maria Friman (where there are three sopranos this is written for Trio Mediaeval, which includes Anna; where there is a tenor voice this is written always for John Potter)
- Venite a laudare (soprano solo)
- Laude novella (soprano solo)
- Ave donna santissima (soprano solo)
- Oi me lasso (soprano and tenor)
- Altissima luce (three sopranos, unison)
- Da ciel venne messo novella (soprano and tenor)
- Ave regina gloriosa (three sopranos, divisi)
- Regina sovrana (soprano solo)
- Ave dei genitrix (soprano and tenor)
- O Maria, d’omelia (soprano solo)
- Salve, salve, virgo pia (soprano and tenor)
- Alta trinita beata (soprano, tenor, viola, bass)
- Stomme allegro (soprano, tenor, viola, bass)
- Jesu Cristo glorioso (soprano, tenor, bass)
- O Maria, Dei cella (soprano solo)
- Laudamo la resurrectione (soprano, tenor, bass)
- Ve vergine gaudente (soprano solo)
- Cristo e nato et humanato (three sopranos)
- Omne homo (soprano, tenor, bass)
- Vergene donçella (three sopranos, tenor)
- O Divina virgo flore (soprano solo)
- Fammi cantar l’amor (nine female voices)
- Fammi cantar l’amor (nine female voices) – different setting
- Dami conforto Dio (eleven female voices)
- Dami conforto Dio (three sopranos)
- “Plangiamo del crudel basciar” for soprano, tenor, viola, cello, bass
- “Lauda vollio per amore” for soprano, tenor, bass
- “Amor dolce sença pare” for soprano, tenor, viola, cello, bass
- “O divina virgo, flore” for soprano and bass (addition of bass to Lauda 21)
Date:
Gavin’s Notes:
Text of Lauda Translations
Lauda 1 “Venite a laudare”
Venite a laudare, Come and give praise:
per amor cantare for the sake of love, sing
l’amorosa vergene Maria. to the loving Virgin Mary.
Maria gloriosa biata Glorious, blessed Mary,
sempre si’ molto laudata; may great praise be yours for ever;
preghiam ke ne si’ avocata we pray that you will intercede for us
al tuo filiol, virgo pio. to your Son, O holy Virgin.
Venite a laudare, Come and give praise:
per amor cantare for the sake of love, sing
l’amorosa vergene Maria. to the loving Virgin Mary.
Pietosa regina sovrana, Holy sovereign Queen,
conforta la mente ch’è vana, comfort our empty minds;
grande medicina ke sana, you are the great cure which heals:
aiutane per tua cortisia. help us, through your kindness.
Venite a laudare, Come and give praise:
per amor cantare for the sake of love, sing
l’amorosa vergene Maria. to the loving Virgin Mary.
Vigorosa potente biata, Vigorous, strong, blessed lady,
per te è questa laude cantata, for you this song of praise is sung;
tu se’ la nostra avocata, you are our advocate,
la più fedel que mai sia. the most faithful there could ever be.
Venite a laudare, Come and give praise:
per amor cantare for the sake of love, sing
l’amorosa vergene Maria. to the loving Virgin Mary.
Lauda 2 “Laude novella”
Laude novella sia cantata Let a new song of praise be sung
a l’alta donna encoronata. to the Lady crowned on high.
Fresca vergene donçella, Innocent virgin maid,
primo fior, rosa novella, Spring’s first flower, new rose,
tutto ‘l mondo a te s’apella, the whole world calls upon you;
nella bon ‘or fosti nata. the day you were born was blessed.
Laude novella sia cantata Let a new song of praise be sung
a l’alta donna encoronata. to the Lady crowned on high.
Fonte se’ d’aqqua surgente, You are the spring of gurgling water,
Madre de Dio vivente, Mother of the living God;
tu se’ luce de la gente, you are the light of the people,
sovra li angeli exaltata. exalted above the angels.
Laude novella sia cantata Let a new song of praise be sung
a l’alta donna encoronata. to the Lady crowned on high.
Prego t’, avocata mia, I beseech you, my advocate,
ke ne metti en bona via, to set us on the good path;
questa nostra compania may this assembly of ours
síate sempre commendata. always be pleasing to you.
Laude novella sia cantata Let a new song of praise be sung
a l’alta donna encoronata. to the Lady crowned on high.
Lauda 3 “Ave donna santissima”
Ave donna santissima, Hail, Lady most holy,
Regina potentissima. all-powerful Queen.
La vertù celestiale The kindest heavenly virtue
colla gratia supernale with divine grace
en te, virgo virginale, in you, innocent Virgin,
discese benignissima. came down to us.
Ave donna santissima, Hail, Lady most holy,
Regina potentissima. all-powerful Queen.
Quasi come la vitrera, Just as with a pane of glass,
quando li rai del sole la fiera,when the rays of the sun beat upon it,
dentro passa quella spera through it passes that sphere
k’è tanto splendidissima. which is utterly resplendent.
Ave donna santissima, Hail, Lady most holy,
Regina potentissima. all-powerful Queen.
Stando colle porte kiuse Standing with the doors closed,
en te Cristo se renchiuse: Christ concealed himself in you:
quando de te se deschiuse when he revealed himself
permansisti purissima. you remained completely pure.
Ave donna santissima, Hail, Lady most holy,
Regina potentissima. all-powerful Queen.
Lauda 4 “Oi me lasso”
Oi me lasso, e freddo lo mio core, Ah, poor me, my heart is cold,
ke non sospiri tanto per amore for does it not sigh with love
ke tu morisse? enough to die?
Morire dovaresti, falso sconoscente, You should have died, false and thankless heart,
villano, cieco, pigro e negligente, villainous, blind, lazy and negligent,
ké per amor non vivi fervente since you do not live so fervent with love
sì ke languise. that you languish.
Oi me lasso, e freddo lo mio core, Ah, poor me, my heart is cold,
ke non sospiri tanto per amore for does it not sigh with love
ke tu morisse? enough to die?
Perire potaresti si non se’ defeso You should have died, if you were not protected
dal grande amor Iesù da cui se’ ateso: by the great love of Jesus, to which you have turned:
vôlte abracciare e sta en croce desteso, he longs to embrace you, and hangs stretched upon
s’a lui venisse. the cross, that you may come to him.
Oi me lasso, e freddo lo mio core, Ah, poor me, my heart is cold,
ke non sospiri tanto per amore for does it not sigh with love
ke tu morisse? enough to die?
Transmortisci, cuore, e và gridando; Faint, my heart, and go out shouting,
e pure amore amore amore amando, and loving Love-Love-Love;
ke no l’ai puramente amato và dolorando, since you have not loved purely, go forth sorrowing,
e parturisce! and be born again!
Oi me lasso, e freddo lo mio core, Ah, poor me, my heart is cold,
ke non sospiri tanto per amore for does it not sigh with love
ke tu morisse? enough to die?
Lauda 5 “Altissima luce”
Altissima luce col grande splendore, Most exalted light, shining with great glory,
in voi, dolçe amore, agiam consolança. in you, sweet love, is our consolation.
Ave, regina pulçell’ amorosa, Hail, queen and maiden full of love,
stella marina ke non stai nascosa, the star of the sea which does not keep hidden,
luce divina, virtù gratiosa, divine light, gracious virtue,
belleça formosa, di Dio se’ sembiança. exquisite beauty, you are the image of God.
Altissima luce col grande splendore, Most exalted light, shining with great glory,
in voi, dolçe amore, agiam consolança. in you, sweet love, is our consolation.
Ave Maria, di gratia plena, Hail, Mary, full of grace,
tu se’ la via c’a vita ci mena; you are the way which leads us to life;
di tenebria traesti e di pena the earthly race, which was in great peril,
la gente terrena k’era ‘n gran turbança. You have rescued from darkness and punishment.
Altissima luce col grande splendore, Most exalted light, shining with great glory,
in voi, dolçe amore, agiam consolança. in you, sweet love, is our consolation.
Vergene pura cum tutta belleça, Pure virgin with all beauty,
sença misura è la tua grandeça: your greatness is without limit:
nostra natura recasti a frankeça you have willingly borne our nature
k’era a vileça per molta offesança. which was vile through our many sins.
Altissima luce col grande splendore, Most exalted light, shining with great glory,
in voi, dolçe amore, agiam consolança. in you, sweet love, is our consolation.
Lauda 6 “Da ciel venne messo novello”
Da ciel venne messo novello From heaven came a new messenger:
ciò fo l’angel Gabriello. it was the angel Gabriel.
Nella cità di Galilea; In the city of Galilee
là ‘v’era la gente iudea, there was the race of Judah,
favellavano in lengua ebrea speaking in the Hebrew language
in cità et in castello. in the city and in the castle.
Da ciel venne messo novello From heaven came a new messenger:
ciò fo l’angel Gabriello. it was the angel Gabriel.
“Ave Maria, gratia plena; “Hail Mary, full of grace;
Dio ti salvi, stella serena: may God save you, star serene:
Dio è con teco che ti mena God is with you, and he leads you
ennel paradiso bello.” into lovely paradise.”
Da ciel venne messo novello From heaven came a new messenger:
ciò fo l’angel Gabriello. it was the angel Gabriel.
Respose la kiara stella: The bright star replied:
“lo son qui ke so’ su’ ancella: “Here I am, your handmaiden:
sia secundo la tua favella, let it be according to your word,
cusì mi chiamo et appello.” for thus I am called and named.”
Da ciel venne messo novello From heaven came a new messenger:
ciò fo l’angel Gabriello. it was the angel Gabriel.
Lauda 7 “Ave, regina gloriosa”
Ave, regina gloriosa, Hail, glorious queen,
plena d’ogne consolança. full of all consolation.
Ave, pulcra margarita, Hail, beautiful pearl,
splendida luce clarita; clear shining light;
fresca rosa et aulorita, fresh rose and fragrance,
nostro gaudio et alegrança. our joy and delight.
Ave, regina gloriosa, Hail, glorious queen,
plena d’ogne consolança. full of all consolation.
Ave, regina adorata, Hail, adored queen,
virgene madre beata; blessed virgin mother;
poi ke fosti salutata, since you received your salutation
madre se’ de gran pietança. you have been our mother of great holiness.
Ave, regina gloriosa, Hail, glorious queen,
plena d’ogne consolança. full of all consolation.
Ave, porto de salute; Hail, gateway of salvation;
ki ben t’ama tu l’aiute; you help whoever loves you well;
guardane di far cadute, save him from falling into error,
tràici for de dubitança. and keep us free from doubting thoughts.
Ave, regina gloriosa, Hail, glorious queen,
plena d’ogne consolança. full of all consolation.
Lauda 8 “Regina sovrana”
Regina sovrana de gram pietade, Sovereign Queen of great mercy,
en te, dolçe madre, agiam reposança. in you, sweet Mother, we find repose.
Stella chiarita col grande splendore, Star made bright by [God’s] great glory,
gente smarite traheste d’errore: you have saved lost peoples from error:
reggi la vita sì ch’a tutte l’ore rule our lives so that at all times
reserviam leança. we keep our loyalty to you.
Regina sovrana de gram pietade, Sovereign Queen of great mercy,
en te, dolçe madre, agiam reposança. in you, sweet Mother, we find repose.
Giardin ornato de fresca verdura, Garden adorned with fresh foliage,
fosti serrato de forte clausura; you were strongly locked and barred;
tuo fructo nato non pose natura the birth of your offspring imposed not nature,
ma grande sperança. but the great force of hope.
Regina sovrana de gram pietade, Sovereign Queen of great mercy,
en te, dolçe madre, agiam reposança. in you, sweet Mother, we find repose.
Bel gillio d’orto, cristallo splendente, Lovely lily of the garden, gleaming crystal,
L’om ch’era morto facesti vivente: you have brought back to life the man who died:
se’ gran conforto a l’om penitente, you are the great comfort of the penitent man,
e dàili fermança. and give him steady strength.
Regina sovrana de gram pietade, Sovereign Queen of great mercy,
en te, dolçe madre, agiam reposança. in you, sweet Mother, we find repose.
Amen. Amen.
Lauda 9 “Ave Dei genitrix”
Ave, Dei genitrix, Hail, Mother of God,
fontana d’alegrança. fount of joy.
Ave, fonte consignata, Hail, sealed fountain,
de la stirpe David nata, born of the race of David,
più de null’ altra se’ beata: you are blessed above all others:
avest’in Deo verace amança. you have true love in God.
Ave, Dei genitrix, Hail, Mother of God,
fontana d’alegrança. fount of joy.
Variò forte natura Nature changed her nature
Quando ‘n te, vergene pura, when in you, O pure virgin,
lo Signor prese figura the Lord took human form
sença carnal delectança. without carnal delight.
Ave, Dei genitrix, Hail, Mother of God,
fontana d’alegrança. fount of joy.
Donna, de laude se’ degna, Lady, you are worthy of praise,
ké portasti l’alta ‘nsengna, &n
bsp; for you have borne the highest badge of honour:
lo Salvator ke viv’et regna the Saviour who lives and reigns,
per cui sem for de malignança. through whom we are beyond the grasp of evil.
Ave, Dei genitrix, Hail, Mother of God,
fontana d’alegrança. fount of joy.
Lauda 10 “O Maria, d’omelia”
O Maria, d’omelia O Mary, of sacred learning
se’ fontana, fior e grana: you are the fount, the flower and the fruit:
de me aia pietança. have mercy on me.
Gram reina, chi inchina ciascun regno, Great Queen, to whom all kingdoms bow,
si m’affina la curina quando segno, if your kindness purifies me when I cross myself,
io non degno, ‘n core tegno I am not worthy; in my heart
tua figura chiar’ e pura, I hold your image, clear and pure.
ch’ongne mal m’è ‘n obliança. which atones for every evil in me.
O Maria, d’omelia O Mary, of sacred learning
se’ fontana, fior e grana: you are the fount, the flower and the fruit:
de me aia pietança. have mercy on me.
Ros’ aulente splendiente, fà venire Fragrant and dazzling rose, make me,
me fallente, tuo servente, obedire, your servant, come to obey you, in spite of my sins;
cum çechire reverire; may I worship and revere you,
te laudando honorando with praise and respect:
agia de te consolança. grant me your solace.
O Maria, d’omelia O Mary, of sacred learning
se’ fontana, fior e grana: you are the fount, the flower and the fruit:
de me aia pietança. have mercy on me.
Gran rugiata candidata pur’ e necta, Gleaming white, dewy seed, pure and clean,
anti nata per beata da Di’ electa, before your birth chosen to be blessed by God,
tu m’aspecta ch’io rimetta, you await my submission,
ch’io sum ciso mal assiso, if I am killed under siege,
ch’io non vada ‘n perdança. so that I do not go down to perdition.
O Maria, d’omelia O Mary, of sacred learning
se’ fontana, fior e grana: you are the fount, the flower and the fruit:
de me aia pietança. have mercy on me.
Amen. Amen.
Lauda 11 “Salve, salve, virgo pia”
Salve, salve, virgo pia, Hail, hail, holy virgin,
gema splendida, Maria. gleaming jewel, Mary.
Or cantiam cum gram dilecto Let us now sing with great delight
de l’amor nostro perfecto, of that perfect love of ours
ke prechi pro nobis Cristo, who prays to Christ for us,
ke sia nostra lux et via. who is our light and our way.
Salve, salve, virgo pia, Hail, hail, holy virgin,
gema splendida, Maria. gleaming jewel, Mary.
Or cantiam con alegrança Let us now sing with joy
de la bella nostra amança, of our beautiful lover,
k’ell’è nostra consolança: for she is our solace:
sempre benedicta sia. may she ever be blessed.
Salve, salve, virgo pia, Hail, hail, holy virgin,
gema splendida, Maria. gleaming jewel, Mary.
Ad te amor avén cantato: Since to you we have sung our love,
bella, col santo portato beautiful lady, with the saint whom you bore
facci star dal dextro lato, let us stand at your right side,
possiam farte compagnia. permit us to be your companions.
Salve, salve, virgo pia, Hail, hail, holy virgin,
gema splendida, Maria. gleaming jewel, Mary.
Lauda 12 “Alta Trinità beata”
Alta Trinità beata, High and blessed Trinity,
da noi sempre sì adorata. may we always worship you.
Trinitade gloriosa, Glorious Trinity,
unità maravilliosa, wonderful Unity,
tu se’ manna savorosa you are delicious manna,
a tut’or desiderata. desired every hour.
Alta Trinità beata, High and blessed Trinity,
da noi sempre sì adorata. may we always worship you.
Spiritu sancto, amor iocundo, Joyful love of the Holy Spirit,
ke rempisti tutto ‘l mondo, you whom redeemed the whole world,
tu ne guarda dal profundo save us from the depths of hell
et perdona li peccata. and pardon our sins.
Alta Trinità beata, High and blessed Trinity,
da noi sempre sì adorata. may we always worship you.
O verace Trinitade O true Trinity,
fà per la tua pietade through your mercy grant
ke nostra humilitade that our humility
en vita eterna si’ exaltata. might be raised to eternal life.
Alta Trinità beata, High and blessed Trinity,
da noi sempre sì adorata. may we always worship you.
Lauda 13 “Stomme allegro”
Stomme allegro et latioso I am merry and gleeful
questo mondo delectando: when I take pleasure in this world:
ma ‘l iudicio rimenbrando but when I remember the day of judgment
sto dolente et pauroso. I grieve and tremble with fear.
Pauroso è di fallança Terrifying and misleading
questo mondo pien d’errore. is this world full of error;
Signor, faite penitentia, Lord, be merciful
ke s’aproccia ‘l grand errore when great sin comes close
ke’l nimico arà ‘l valore; and the enemy is strong:
ciò fie a la fine del mondo, that will be at the end of the world,
ke ciascun sirà remondo when every man shall be cleansed
d’esto dilecto fetoroso. from these stinking pleasures.
Stomme allegro et latioso I am merry and gleeful
questo mondo delectando: when I take pleasure in this world:
ma ‘l iudicio rimenbrando but when I remember the day of judgment
sto dolente et pauroso. I grieve and tremble with fear.
Luminosi splendienti Bright and shining
angeli da ciel verranno; angels will come from heaven;
le corpora de la gente the bodies of the people,
tutte quante rifaranno: every one, shall be transformed:
altri cum tube sonando other angels, with sounding trumpets,
diranno ai morti: “Surrexite! will say to the dead: “Rise up!
dinançi al iudice venite come into the Judge’s presence
di render rascion d’ogn’otioso.” to give account for every hateful deed.”
Stomme allegro et latioso I am merry and gleeful
questo mondo delectando: when I take pleasure in this world:
ma ‘l iudicio rimenbrando but when I remember the day of judgment
sto dolente et pauroso. I grieve and tremble with fear.
Lauda 14 “Jesu Cristo glorioso”
Iesù Cristo glorioso, Glorious Jesus Christ,
a te sia laude e çechimento, may you be praised and worshipped,
ke per noi surreximento who for our sake
facesti victorioso. have risen victorious from the dead.
Victorioso el terço die Victorious on the third day
facesti surreximento; you arose from the dead:
per unger le tre Marie the three Marys
de lo tuo corpo al monimento went with precious ointment
andar cum pretios’ unguento: to anoint your body in the tomb.
l’angel dixe: “nonn è quie; The angel said: “He is not here;
in Galilea, ke surrexio, to Galilee he who has risen from the dead
voi precederà gratioso.” will go in grace before you.”
Iesù Cristo glorioso, Glorious Jesus Christ,
a te sia laude e çechimento, may you be praised and worshipped,
ke per noi surreximento who for our sake
facesti victorioso. have risen victorious from the dead.
Desiose lor contâro Overjoyed, they related [to the apostles]
ciò ke Cristo dect’ avea: what Christ had said to them:
lo lor decto despreççaro, but they disbelieved their words,
crediano fosse fantasia. thinking that they were stories.
Poi raparbe ‘n quella dia; Then he reappeared on the same day;
a duo discipuli fe’ cena he had dinner with two of the apostles
al castello d’Emau, apena at the castle of Emmaus, but scarcely
l’avisar, lo’ fo nascosto. had he revealed himself, when he was hidden.
Iesù Cristo glorioso, Glorious Jesus Christ,
a te sia laude e çechimento, may you be praised and worshipped,
ke per noi surreximento who for our sake
facesti victorioso. have risen victorious from the dead.
Pensosi fra lor essendo, As he was among those anxious men,
L’apparbe ‘l Signor verace; the true Lord appeared to them:
dixe: “Non andate temendo He said: “Do not be afraid
de me, k’io non so’ fallace. of me: I am not a liar.
Sempre aviate in fra voi pace, Peace be with you always;
et cercate le kiavadure, seek the marks of the nails;
ke le mente aviate pure: keep your minds pure,
di me ogn’om sia copioso.” that every man may know me abundantly.”
Iesù Cristo glorioso, Glorious Jesus Christ,
a te sia laude e çechimento, may you be praised and worshipped,
ke per noi surreximento who for our sake
facesti victorioso. have risen victorious from the dead.
Lauda 15 “O Maria, Dei cella”
O Maria, Dei cella, O Mary, shrine of God,
sia a voi luce sempiterna. may you have everlasting light.
O Maria, savia d’amore, O Mary, wise in love,
sì fort’ amasti Dio signore, you loved the Lord God so much
ke de te feci sua mascione that he made you his mansion
allor ke prese albergo ‘n terra. when he made his home on earth.
O Maria, Dei cella, O Mary, shrine of God,
sia a voi luce sempiterna. may you have everlasting light.
O Maria, virgene pura, O Mary, pure virgin,
porta se’ del cielo sicura you are the certain gate of heaven;
ki per te v’entra non trova mura whoever enters through you finds no wall
né serrame ke lo retegna. or lock to keep him out.
O Maria, Dei cella, O Mary, shrine of God,
sia a voi luce sempiterna. may you have everlasting light.
O Maria, cum grande pietade O Mary, through your great mercy
a voi kiamam cum humilitade, we call upon you with humility,
ke tu ce debia sempr’ aitare asking you to help us always
dal nimico ke non ce prenda. to avoid the grasp of the enemy.
O Maria, Dei cella, O Mary, shrine of God,
sia a voi luce sempiterna. may you have everlasting light.
Lauda 16 “Laudamo la resurrectione”
Laudamo la resurrectione Let us praise the resurrection
e la mirabile ascensione and the miraculous ascension
di Jesu Cristo filiol de Dio of Jesus Christ the Son of God,
ch’ al suo padre se ne gìo, in whom his Father rejoiced,
e ‘n cotal dì en ciel salìo: and on such a day as this rose into heaven:
san Marco ‘l dice in suo sermone. St Mark tells the story in his Gospel.
Laudamo la resurrectione Let us praise the resurrection
e la mirabile ascensione. and the miraculous ascension.
In terra rimasi la gloriosa The glorious virgin remained on earth,
la vergine madre pretiosa, our pretious Mother,
santa Maria a pietosa, holy Saint Mary,
k’è nostra consolatione. Who is our consolation.
Laudamo la resurrectione Let us praise the resurrection
e la mirabile ascensione. and the miraculous ascension.
Li apostoli poi n’andaro, Then the apostles went out
per tutto ‘l mondo predicaro. to preach throughout the whole world:
La vita eterna e ‘l regno caro eternal life and the beloved kingdom
Dio ne dea per guidardone. God gives us as our reward.
Laudamo la resurrectione Let us praise the resurrection
e la mirabile ascensione. and the miraculous ascension.
Amen. Amen.
Lauda 17 “Ave, vergene gaudente”
Ave, vergene gaudente, Hail, joyful virgin,
madre de l’Onnipotente. Mother of the all-powerful.
Lo Signor per meravegla The Lord through a miracle
de te feice madre e filia, made you both Mother and Maiden,
rosa biamch’e vermegla a rose both white and red,
sovr’ ogl’ altro fiore aulente. more fragrant than any other flower.
Ave, vergene gaudente, Hail, joyful virgin,
madre de l’Onnipotente. Mother of the all-powerful.
O beata ke credesti O blessed lady, you believed
al messagio ke vedesti, the messenger whom you saw,
lo saluto retinesti you kept his message in your heart
colla gratia fervente. with devout grace.
Ave, vergene gaudente, Hail, joyful virgin,
madre de l’Onnipotente. Mother of the all-powerful.
O Maria, virgo degna, O Mary, worthy virgin,
priega Cristo ke ne tegna; pray to Christ that he keep us
al suo regno, ne sovegna, in his kingdom, and remember us:
per noi sia entercedente. be an intermediary for us.
Ave, vergene gaudente, Hail, joyful virgin,
madre de l’Onnipotente. Mother of the all-powerful.
Lauda 18 “Cristo è nato et humanato”
Cristo è nato et humanato Christ is born in human form
per salvar la gente to save the people
k’era perduta e descaduta that was lost and fallen
nel primer parente. through our first parent, Adam.
Nato è Cristo Christ has been born
per fare aquisto to gain
de noi peccatori; us sinners;
k’eram partiti for we had parted
et dispartiti and departed
dai suoi servidori; from his servants,
perké fallenti because we had failed
e non serventi and not served well
ma desservidori but been evil servants:
eramo facti we had become
da cului tracti followers of
k’è tutor fallente. The teacher of evil.
Cristo è nato et humanato Christ is born in human form
per salvar la gente to save the people
k’era perduta e descaduta that was lost and fallen
nel primer parente. through our first parent, Adam.
Summ’ alegreçça, Great joy,
summa forteça, great strength –
Cristo è nato ‘n terra; Christ is born on earth;
summa forteça great strength
per cui se spreçça for which contempt is shown
ben ogn’ altra guerra in every other war
de lo nimico by the enemy,
serpente antiquo the ancient serpent,
nostro ingannatore; our deceiver,
de cui valore who gives his power
doni a tutt’ ore, at all times
a ki li consente. to whoever takes his side.
Cristo è nato et humanato Christ is born in human form
per salvar la gente to save the people
k’era perduta e descaduta that was lost and fallen
nel primer parente. through our first parent, Adam.
Lauda 19 “Omne homo”
Omne homo ad alta voce Let all mankind with loud voice
laudi la verace croce. praise the true cross.
Quanto è digna da laudare, How worthy it is of praise
core no lo pò pensare, no heart can imagine,
lengua non lo pò contare, no tongue can recite:
la verace sancta croce. the true, holy cross.
Omne homo ad alta voce Let all mankind with loud voice
laudi la verace croce. praise the true cross.
La sua madre cum dolore His own mother with grief
kiama e dice: “Dolçe amore, called out and said: “Sweet love,
oimè, fillio e signore, alas, my Son and Lord,
perké fosti posto in cruce?” why were you hung on the cross?”
Omne homo ad alta voce Let all mankind with loud voice
laudi la verace croce. praise the true cross.
Dice Cristo: “O madre mia, Christ replied: “O my mother,
quest’ è l’obediença mia: this is my act of obedience:
ke se compia in questa dia on this day
k’io moia nella croce.” I must die upon the cross.”
Omne homo ad alta voce Let all mankind with loud voice
laudi la verace croce. praise the true cross.
Lauda 20 “Vergene donçella”
Vergene donçella da Dio amata, Virgin maid loved by God,
Katarina martire beata. blessed martyr Katharine.
Tu fosti beata da fantina, You were blessed since childhood,
perké fo ‘n te la gratia divina; for divine grace was in you;
nata fosti en terra alexandrina, you were born in the land of Alexandria,
in omgni scientia collaudata. praised for its scientific knowledge.
Vergene donçella da Dio amata, Virgin maid loved by God,
Katarina martire beata. blessed martyr Katharine.
Fillia fo de re e raina you were the daughter of a king and queen,
la beata santa Katerina, blessed Saint Katharine;
de li erranti gram medicina, although they sinned, you were their cure;
disputando da lor venerata. they revered you in spite of your disagreement.
Vergene donçella da Dio amata, Virgin maid loved by God,
Katarina martire beata. blessed martyr Katharine.
Stando nel palaçço gratiosa Graciously situated in a palace,
tutta fosti de Dio amorosa; you were completely in love with God;
cum gran voluntà desiderosa so with great longing and desire
a Iesù dilecto desponsata. you became the bride of your beloved Jesus.
Vergene donçella da Dio amata, Virgin maid loved by God,
Katarina martire beata. blessed martyr Katharine.
Lauda 21 “O divina virgo, flore”
O divina virgo, flore O divine virgin, flower
aulorita d’ogne aulore. most fragrant of all fragrances.
Tu se’ flor ke sempre grane, You are the flower that is always a seed,
molta gratia in te permane; much grace abides in you;
tu portasti ‘l vino e pane, you bore the wine and bread,
cioè ‘l nostro Redemptore. that is, our Redeemer.
O divina virgo, flore O divine virgin, flower
aulorita d’ogne aulore. most fragrant of all fragrances.
Tu se’ via de veritade, You are the way of truth,
scala se’ d’umilitade; the ladder of humility;
de te prese humanitade from you Jesus our Redeemer
Iesù nostro redemptore. took his humanity.
O divina virgo, flore O divine virgin, flower
aulorita d’ogne aulore. most fragrant of all fragrances.
Ave, virgo incoronata, Hail, crowned virgin,
ave, Dio obumbrata, hail, overshadowed by God,
ke ‘m ciel se’ encoronata for you are crowned in heaven,
madre d’ogne peccatore. the mother of every sinner.
O divina virgo, flore O divine virgin, flower
aulorita d’ogne aulore. most fragrant of all fragrances.
Lauda 22 “Fammi cantar l’amor”
Fammi cantar l’amor di la beata, Let me sing of the love of the blessed virgin –
quella ke de Cristo sta gaudente. she who rejoices in Christ.
Dammi conforto, madre de l’amore, Give me comfort, Mother of Love,
et mette fuoco et fiamba nel mio core; and put your fire and flame into my heart;
ki t’amasse tanto a tutte l’ore may I love you greatly and at all times,
k’io ne transmortisse spessamente. So that I may often swoon with love.
Fammi cantar l’amor di la beata, Let me sing of the love of the blessed virgin –
quella ke de Cristo sta gaudente. she who rejoices in Christ.
Confortami di te, madonna mia, Send me your comfort, my Lady,
et giorno et nocte a l’ora de la dia; but day and night, at every hour;
come se’ dolçe a chiamar, Maria, it is so sweet to call your name, Mary,
ke par ke rimbaldisca tutta gente. that it seems to re-echo among all people.
Fammi cantar l’amor di la beata, Let me sing of the love of the blessed virgin –
quella ke de Cristo sta gaudente. she who rejoices in Christ.
Vergine bella, fior sovr’ ogni rosa, Beautiful virgin, flower above all roses,
sença carnal amore se’ dilectosa; you are lovely without carnal love;
amata fosti et se’ sovr’ogni cosa, you were loved [by God], and above everything
nel paradiso se’ la più piacente. you are the most pleasing in paradise.
Fammi cantar l’amor di la beata, Let me sing of the love of the blessed virgin –
quella ke de Cristo sta gaudente. she who rejoices in Christ.
Lauda 23 “Fammi cantar l’amor”
Fammi cantar l’amor di la beata, Let me sing of the love of the blessed virgin –
quella ke de Cristo sta gaudente. she who rejoices in Christ.
Dammi conforto, madre de l’amore, Give me comfort, Mother of Love,
et mette fuoco et fiamba nel mio core; and put your fire and flame into my heart;
ki t’amasse tanto a tutte l’ore may I love you greatly and at all times,
k’io ne transmortisse spessamente. So that I may often swoon with love.
Fammi cantar l’amor di la beata, Let me sing of the love of the blessed virgin –
quella ke de Cristo sta gaudente. she who rejoices in Christ.
Confortami di te, madonna mia, Send me your comfort, my Lady,
et giorno et nocte a l’ora de la dia; but day and night, at every hour;
come se’ dolçe a chiamar, Maria, it is so sweet to call your name, Mary,
ke par ke rimbaldisca tutta gente. that it seems to re-echo among all people.
Fammi cantar l’amor di la beata, Let me sing of the love of the blessed virgin –
quella ke de Cristo sta gaudente. she who rejoices in Christ.
Vergine bella, fior sovr’ ogni rosa, Beautiful virgin, flower above all roses,
sença carnal amore se’ dilectosa; you are lovely without carnal love;
amata fosti et se’ sovr’ogni cosa, you were loved [by God], and above everything
nel paradiso se’ la più piacente. you are the most pleasing in paradise.
Fammi cantar l’amor di la beata, Let me sing of the love of the blessed virgin –
quella ke de Cristo sta gaudente. she who rejoices in Christ.
Lauda 24 “De la crudel morte de Cristo”
De la crudel morte de Cristo Of the cruel death of Christ
on’hom pianga amaramente. let every man weep bitterly.
Quando Iuderi Cristo pilliaro, When the Jews took Christ captive
d’ogne parte lo circundaro; they surrounded him on every side;
le sue mane strecto legaro they bound his hands tightly,
como ladro villanamente. treating him shamefully as though he were a robber.
De la crudel morte de Cristo Of the cruel death of Christ
on’hom pianga amaramente. let every man weep bitterly.
Trenta denar fo lo mercato Thirty pieces of silver was the price
ke fece Iuda, et fo pagato. which Judas set, and it was paid.
Mellio li fora non esser nato It would have been better for him not to have been born
k’aver peccato sì duramente. than to have sinned so grievously.
De la crudel morte de Cristo Of the cruel death of Christ
on’hom pianga amaramente. let every man weep bitterly.
Molt’ era trista sancta Maria, Holy Mary was full of misery
quando ‘l suo figlio en dea; when she gave up her Son;
cum gran dolore forte piangeva with great grief she wept bitterly
dicendo: “Trista, lassa, dolente”. Saying, “Alas, woe is me.”
De la crudel morte de Cristo Of the cruel death of Christ
on’hom pianga amaramente. let every man weep bitterly.
A la colonna fo spoliato At the cross he was stripped,
per tutto ‘l corpo flagellato, and beaten all over his body;
l’ogne parte fo ‘nsanguinato every part was bitterly drained of blood
commo falso amaramente. as though he had been a perjuror.
De la crudel morte de Cristo Of the cruel death of Christ
on’hom pianga amaramente. let every man weep bitterly.
Nel suo vulto li sputaro, They spat in his face,
e la sua barba sì la pelaro; and they plucked out his beard;
facendo beffe, l’imputaro in derision they accused him
ke Dio s’è facto falsamente. of falsely making himself God.
De la crudel morte de Cristo Of the cruel death of Christ
on’hom pianga amaramente. let every man weep bitterly.
Lauda 25 “Dami conforto, Dio”
Dami conforto, Dio, et alegrança, Give me comfort, O God, and joy,
et carità perfecta et amorança. perfect love and adoration.
Dami conforto, Dio, et ardore: Give me comfort, O God, and passion:
a caritade lega lo mio core, bind my heart to kindness,
ke non mi sia vetato lo tuo amore: so that your love is not denied to me:
in me non possa nulla ria indignança. let no evil indignation be in me.
Dami conforto, Dio, et alegrança, Give me comfort, O God, and joy,
et carità perfecta et amorança. perfect love and adoration.
Rammentame la pena ke portasti, Remind me of the punishment which you bore,
Amor, e quando a la croce andasti: Love, when you went to the cross:
fosti battuto et tutto ensanguinasti, you were beaten and quite drained of blood –
oimé lasso, de tal dolorança. alas, for such misery.
Dami conforto, Dio, et alegrança, Give me comfort, O God, and joy,
et carità perfecta et amorança. perfect love and adoration.
Fosti battuto et spoliato e schernito, You were beaten, stripped and mocked,
e da’ Iudei fortemente colpito, and strongly struck by the Jews,
e d’una lancia ennel cor ferito, and you were wounded by a spear in your heart –
e per invidia fuo tal arogantia. and such arrogance was all for envy.
Dami conforto, Dio, et alegrança, Give me comfort, O God, and joy,
et carità perfecta et amorança. perfect love and adoration.
Amen.
Lauda 26 “Plangiamo quel crudel basciar”
Plangiamo quel crudel basciar[e] Let us bewail that cruel kiss
ke fe’ per noi Deo cruciare. by which God was crucified for our sake.
Venne Juda traditore, Judas the traitor came [to Jesus]
bascio li died’ e gran dolore; and gave him a kiss and dreadful woe;
lo qual faciam noi per amore what for us is a symbol of love
a lui fo signo di penare. for him was a sign of suffering.
Plangiamo quel crudel basciar[e] Let us bewail that cruel kiss
ke fe’ per noi Deo cruciare. by which God was crucified for our sake.
Quel fo signo ai Juderi: This was the sign for the Jews:
non cognoscevan suo misteri, they did not recognize his divinity,
Iuda li feci veri: but Judas made them sure:
per um suo bascio lo fece piliare. with a single kiss he betrayed him into their hands.
Plangiamo quel crudel basciar[e] Let us bewail that cruel kiss
ke fe’ per noi Deo cruciare. by which God was crucified for our sake.
Ad Anna principe el menâro; They led him to the leader Annas;
inudo nato lo spoliâro, they stripped him naked as a newborn,
battìrlo forte et si ‘l legâro they beat him savagely and bound him
et fêrlo tutto insanguinare. and made him bleed copiously.
Plangiamo quel crudel basciar[e] Let us bewail that cruel kiss
ke fe’ per noi Deo cruciare. by which God was crucified for our sake.
Lauda 27 “Laudar vollio per amore”
Laudar vollio per amore Out of love I want to praise
lo primer frate minore. our first Little Brother.
San Francisco, amor dilecto, Saint Francis, love’s delight,
Cristo t’à nel suo cospecto, you are in the presence of Christ;
perhò ke fosti ben perfecto because you lived a perfect life
e suo diricto servidore. and were his faithful servant.
Laudar vollio per amore Out of love I want to praise
lo primer frate minore. our first Little Brother.
Tutto el mondo abandonasti, You rejected all worldly things;
novell’ordine plantasti, you founded a new Order;
pace in terra annuntiasti you proclaimed peace on earth,
como fece el Salvatore. as our Saviour did.
Laudar vollio per amore Out of love I want to praise
lo primer frate minore. our first Little Brother.
Tanto fosti amico a Deo You were such a friend to God
ke le bestie t’ubidièno; that the animals obeyed you;
l’ucielli in mano a te veniéno the birds flew into your hands
a udir lo tuo sermone. to hear your preaching.
Laudar vollio per amore Out of love I want to praise
lo primer frate minore. our first Little Brother.
Lauda 28 “Amor dolce sença pare”
Amor dolce sença pare Sweet love without equal,
se’ tu, Cristo, per amare. are you, O Christ, through love.
Amor, sença cominciança You are love, without beginning,
se’ tu, padre in sembiança; in the image of the Father;
in trinità per amança through your loving you reign
fillio et spiritu regnare. in the Trinity, with the Son and the Spirit.
Amor dolce sença pare Sweet love without equal,
se’ tu, Cristo, per amare. are you, O Christ, through love.
Amor grande for misura Great love beyond measure,
di cui nulla creatura more than any creature
puote avere in sè, natura, could contain by nature,
di te amar si sa scusare. in loving you is all forgiveness.
Amor dolce sença pare Sweet love without equal,
se’ tu, Cristo, per amare. are you, O Christ, through love.
Dolçe amore amoroso Sweet, loving love,
cum dolcore savoroso, with delicious sweetness,
di t’è Garço gaudioso; this poet Garço* rejoices in you;
sovr’ogn’altro se’ d’amare. you are to be loved beyond all other.
Amor dolce sença pare Sweet love without equal,
se’ tu, Cristo, per amare. are you, O Christ, through love.
* Garço is probably the author of this poem.
Lauda 29 “O divina virgo, flore”
O divina virgo, flore O divine virgin, flower
aulorita d’ogne aulore. most fragrant of all fragrances.
Tu se’ flor ke sempre grane, You are the flower that is always a seed,
molta gratia in te permane; much grace abides in you;
tu portasti ‘l vino e pane, you bore the wine and bread,
cioè ‘l nostro Redemptore. that is, our Redeemer.
O divina virgo, flore O divine virgin, flower
aulorita d’ogne aulore. most fragrant of all fragrances.
Tu se’ via de veritade, You are the way of truth,
scala se’ d’umilitade; the ladder of humility;
de te prese humanitade from you Jesus our Redeemer
Iesù nostro redemptore. took his humanity.
O divina virgo, flore O divine virgin, flower
aulorita d’ogne aulore. most fragrant of all fragrances.
Ave, virgo incoronata, Hail, crowned virgin,
ave, Dio obumbrata, hail, overshadowed by God,
ke’m ciel se’ encoronata for you are crowned in heaven,
madre d’ogne peccatore. the mother of every sinner.
O divina virgo, flore O divine virgin, flower
aulorita d’ogne aulore. most fragrant of all fragrances.
Lauda 30 “Stella nuova”
Stella nuova’n fra la gente New star which newly appeared
k’aparuisti novamente amongst humankind
Stella k’apparist’al mundo The star which appeared to the earth
quando naqque’l re iocondo, when the joy-bringing King was born,
stett’e(n) meçço a tutto’l mondo stood in the centre of the whole world
per aluminar la gente. to give light to the people.
Stella nuova’n fra la gente New star which newly appeared
k’aparuisti novamente amongst humankind
Le tre Magi l’abber veduto, The three wise men saw it,
tosto l’ebber cognosciuto; and immediately recognised it;
diser: “Nat’è lo saluto they said: “Our salvation is born,
Dio padre omnipotente.” God the Father almighty.”
Stella nuova’n fra la gente New star which newly appeared
k’aparuisti novamente amongst humankind
Ciaschedun col suo reame Each one of them, with his kingdom,
sì lo prese a seguitare set off to follow the star
co’ricc’ offerte da laudare, with rich offerings to give him praise,
la qual fo molt’avenente. which was most excellent.
Stella nuova’n fra la gente New star which newly appeared
k’aparuisti novamente amongst humankind
Lauda 31 “Ogn’om canti”
Ogn’om canti novel canto a san Iovanni, Let everyone sing a new song to Saint John,
aulente fiore. the fragrant flower.
O Iovanni, fresc’aurora, O John, new dawn,
molt’eri garçone alora you were just a humble servant-boy
quando Cristo cum gran cura when Christ with great care
apostolo te fece e pastore. made you his apostle and pastor.
Ogn’om canti novel canto a san Iovanni, Let everyone sing a new song to Saint John,
aulente fiore. the fragrant flower.
O Giovanni amor dilecto, O John, the beloved disciple,
Cristo a te se fece lecto Christ made his bed with you
quando li dormist’in pecto when he slept in your arms
nella cena de l’amòre. at the banquet of love.
Ogn’om canti novel canto a san Iovanni, Let everyone sing a new song to Saint John,
aulente fiore. the fragrant flower.
La verità questo dice: The truth speaks thus:
la sua madre, tu’ la fece; his own mother he made yours;
a lie’ te lassò’n sua vece he left you to care for her in his place,
en sulla cena de la morte. even at the banquet of death.
Ogn’om canti novel canto a san Iovanni, Let everyone sing a new song to Saint John,
aulente fiore. the fragrant flower.
Lauda 32 “Omne homo”
Omne homo ad alta voce Let all mankind with loud voice
laudi la verace croce. praise the true cross.
Quanto è digna da laudare, How worthy it is of praise
core no lo pò pensare, no heart can imagine,
lengua non lo pò contare, no tongue can recite:
la verace sancta croce. the true, holy cross.
Omne homo ad alta voce Let all mankind with loud voice
laudi la verace croce. praise the true cross.
La sua madre cum dolore His own mother with grief
kiama e dice: “Dolçe amore, called out and said: “Sweet love,
oimè, fillio e signore, alas, my Son and Lord,
perké fosti posto in cruce?” why were you hung on the cross?”
Omne homo ad alta voce Let all mankind with loud voice
laudi la verace croce. praise the true cross.
Dice Cristo: “O madre mia, Christ replied: “O my mother,
quest’ è l’obediença mia: this is my act of obedience:
ke se compia in questa dia on this day
k’io moia nella croce.” I must die upon the cross.”
Omne homo ad alta voce Let all mankind with loud voice
laudi la verace croce. praise the true cross.
Translation Selene Mills 2004-2006