Haec Deum caeli (Jacob Obrecht)

Music files

Editor: Andreas Stenberg (submitted 2020-11-22). Score information: A4, 5 pages, 108 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: A semi-diplomatic edition.

Editor: Ross Jallo (submitted 2012-08-24). Score information: Letter, 5 pages, 51 kB Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Original key; note values halved.

Title: Haec Deum caeli
Composer: Jacob Obrecht
Lyricist: Rabanus Maurus

Number of voices: 5vv Voicing: SSATB
Genre: Sacred, Motet, Office hymn for Candlemas

Language: Latin
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1542 in Sacrorum hymnorum liber primus (Georg Rhau), no. 16
Description: Obrecht's motet for the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin sets the second verse of "Quod chorus vatum", a hymn attributed to Rabanus Maurus. Three voices (secundus discantus, altus, and tenor) are more or less in canon, while the discantus and bassus have freer material.

Original text and translations may be found at Quod chorus vatum.

Latin text

Haec Deum caeli Dominumque terrae
Virgo concepit peperit que virgo,
atque post partum meruit manere
Inviolata.

English translation

The God of heaven and Lord of earth
she conceived as a virgin and bore as a virgin,
and after giving birth she merited to remain
inviolate.