Cantantibus organis

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Cantantibus organis is commonly found in two versions. The shorter appears in the Solesmes editions as the first antiphon at Vespers of the Feast of St. Cecilia (November 22). It is set by Liszt but also in very old chant sources as both antiphon and responsory; Cima replaces the last three words with 'alleluia'. The longer version (evidenced in parentheses) is found in many renaissance settings.

Settings

See also Misa Cantantibus Organis (Angel Viro)

Other settings possibly not included in the manual list above

Text and translations

Latin.png Latin text

Cantantibus organis Cecilia virgo [gloriosa]
[in corde suo soli Domino] decantabat dicens:
Fiat Domine cor meum [et corpus meum] immaculatum
ut non confundar.

[Frequent pendant:]
Biduanis ac triduanis jejuniis orans,
commendabat Domino quod timebat:
Fiat Domine cor meum et corpus meum immaculatum
ut non confundar.

English.png English translation

While the musicians played, Cecilia the [glorious] virgin
sang [in her heart only to the Lord], saying:
'Lord, let my heart [and body] remain without stain,
that I be not put to shame.'
Translation by Mick Swithinbank

Supplicating by two or three days of fasting,
she gave herself unto the Lord whom she feared:
Let my Lord make my heart and my body unspotted,
that I may not be confounded.