Biteryng - En Katerine solennia (pan-isorhythmic motet)
(ca. 1420)
Triplex I
En Katerine solennia cuius sunt vota celo per-
hennia que Costi regis sola fuit filia de cuius
ortu tota gaudet Grecia. O tante indolis fides
eximia cuius constancie tanta stat energia dum
sevi iudicis non pavet devia feri carnitas
rotarum machinamina. O Katerina pascam in
ergastulo columbe specie per dona celica hinc
iudicatur ad mortis iacula dum decollatur lac-
tis manant flumina. Que precebatur pro qui-
bus ledunt tristicia. Propiciatrix et consolatrix
sit nobis per omnia. Amen.
|
Triplex I
Behold the solemnities of St. Catherine, whose
prayers to heaven are perennial, who was the only
daughter of King Costus, about whose birth all Greece
rejoiced. Behold the exceptional faith of so excellent
a one, whose constancy was so firm that her flesh
did not fear the perverse judge or the machine with
iron wheels. Catherine, fed in prison by the likeness
of a dove because of her heavenly gifts—as she is
beheaded, rivers of milk flow from her veins, who was
praying for those wounding her grievously. May she
be appeaser and consoler for us forever. Amen.
|
Contratenor
Virginalis concio, virgini canonice martirum
constancia martirem concinite que martirum: et
virginum constancia in bravium floruit prevaluit.
Et viguit astancia vesuciadeleta en at leta sine
meta Regni solio gaudet cum Dei filio. O Katerina stabilis
fide laudabilis progenie amabilis in specie. Nos amari
collaudari iuva dei facie.
Amen.
|
Contratenor
O maidenly gathering for the Christian virgin: sing to the martyr
about the constancy of martyrs. How her constancy flowered in the
reward of martyrs and virgins; it prevailed, and won over those
standing near, who were destroyed by a trick, but, behold, killed without
a mark. She rejoices with the Son of God on the throne of his kingdom.
O Catherine, steadfast in faith, praiseworthy in lineage, lovely in
appearance, who is to be loved and praised. Help us by your godly nature.
Amen.
|
Tenor
Sponsus amat sponsam.
|
Tenor
The bridegroom loves his bride.
—Transl. after Andrew Hughes and Margaret Bent
|
POMERIUM
Alexander Blachly, Director
(live concert)
The Tenor of Biteryng’s En Katerine solennia
|
|