Pange lingua

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.

Joseph Benavent (1640 — 1711) was a monk and organist (Order of St. Jerome) of Santa María de la Murta in Alzira (Valencia).

Although he lived into the 18th century, the style seems much earlier, which I believe is typical of much of the Spanish school at the time.

While "Pange lingua" is sung at the conclusion of the liturgy on Holy/Maundy Thursday, this performance is by no means a "correct" liturgical one.

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 a photo of the Basilica of Santa María de la Murta in Alzira (Valencia), where Benavent served as organist.

COMING TOMORROW: If you like to figure out puzzles, I have perhaps the ULTIMATE MUSICAL PUZZLE for you, all based upon an unknown setting of the Passion Chorale!

The "version" that I worked out may be correct, but could be entirely wrong!

Take a look and listen tomorrow, and you'll see what I mean!