David, rex propheta (Jean Crespel)
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CPDL #27286: [
- Editor: Mick_Swithinbank (submitted 2012-10-08). Score information: Unknown, 11 pages, 91.81 kB Copyright: CPDL
- Edition notes: At original pitch in modern clefs. Source: Liber nonus ecclesiasticarum cantionum 5 vocum, Susato, Antwerp 1554 (accessed via Royal Holloway website, earlymusiconline).
General Information
Title: David, rex propheta
Composer: Jean_Crespel
Number of voices: 5vv Voicing: SAATB
Genre: Sacred, Motet
Language: Latin
Instruments: a cappella
Published: 1554
Description: A setting of a non-Biblical text praising King David as a musician - probably a unique text, of unknown authorship. Musical instruments are mentioned, and to some extent musically imitated, in Part Two. Performed in Luxembourg, September 2012, and works well for a small group of singers.
External websites:
Original text and translations
Latin text
<poem>David rex propheta Dei
David musicorum decus
non tantum sacris victimis
festisque caeremoniis
sed musicis concentibus
sed dulcibus harmoniis
Deum placare studuit.
Quater mille dictu mirum
usus est cantoribus
qui Deum laudibus piis
confiterentur fervidi
voce tuba lyra cornu
David vos sit exemplo
heus quot quot estis musici.<poem>
English translation
<poem>King David was God’s prophet. David, that glory of musicians, strove to please God, not so much with sacrifices and festive ceremonies as with music and sweet harmonies.
He used, wondrous to tell, four times a thousand singers, to confess their devotion to God with an ardent voice, and with the trumpet, lyre and horn. Let David serve as an example to all of you musicians.
(With thanks to Dana F. Sutton for help with the translation)
<poem>