Elevazione sopra il Pange lingua (Sonate da Organum)

Today is Maundy Thursday. It is called Holy Thursday in the Roman Church.

It commemorates the Washing of Feet, the Last Supper, and the Betrayal of Jesus.

It is a difficult and complex liturgical service, as it turns from an almost a celebratory mood to one of darkness and terror. It is the ONLY time in Lent that the Gloria in excelsis; is sung, often accompanied by the ringing of bells.

Giulio Cesare Arresti (1619-1701) was an Italian organist , conductor and composer .

Throughout his life, Giulio Cesare Arresti was an organist and conductor in his home town of Bologna. From 1649 to 1699 he was organist at the Basilica of San Petronio as well as conductor at the Church of San Savatore and the Church of San Domenico.

He was co-founder and, from 1701 , president of the Academia Filarmonica. His works are conservative in nature.

His son, Floriano Maria Arresti (1667-1717) was a pupil of Bernardo Pasquini in Rome , where he worked until 1703.

This performance is not a correct liturgical one for the day, but does feature the famous chant melody.

In liturgical use, after the celebration of the Mass, and before the stripping of the Altar, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession to the Altar of Repose. Adorned with flowers, it represents the earthly tomb of Jesus.

During this procession, the hymn, "Pange lingua" is sung. The famous text begins with the words:

Sing, my tongue, the Savior's glory,
Of His Flesh, the mystery sing;
Of the Blood, all price exceeding,
Shed by our Immortal King,
Destined, for the world's redemption,
From a noble Womb to spring.
Of a pure and spotless Virgin-Born for us on earth below,
He, as Man, with man conversing,
Stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
Then He closed in solemn order
Wondrously His Life of woe.

The score is attached below, as well as several photos of the Basilica of San Petronio, where Arresti served as organist.

COMING SOON: works of Kirnberger, Benoit and Harvey Grace (a truly WILD one!)

Peace to All.