Britten: A Hymn to the Virgin

Benjamin Britten: A Hymn to the Virgin

Performance of Francis Shepherd, treble; Robert Jones, countertenor; Simon Davies, tenor; The Westminster Cathedral Choir; David Hill conducting [YouTube]

Performance of The Choir of King's College, Cambridge; Stephen Cleobury conducting [musicMe]

Performance of The London Symphony and Chorus, George Malcolm conducting [musicMe]

Performance of The Sixteen, Harry Christophers conducting [musicMe]



Of one that is so fair and bright
Velut maris stella, (Like the star of the sea)
Brighter than the day is light,
Parens et puella: (Mother and maiden)
I cry to thee, thou see to me,
Lady, pray thy Son for me
Tam pia, (So tender)
That I may come to thee.
Maria! (Mary)

All this world was forlorn
Eva peccatrice, (Eve, having been a sinner)
Till our Lord was y-born
De te genetrice. (Of you his mother)
With ave it went away
Darkest night, and comes the day
Salutis (Of salvation)
The well springeth out of thee.
Virtutis. (Of virtue)

Lady, flow'r of ev'rything,
Rosa sine spina, (thornless rose)
Thou bare Jesu, Heaven's King,
Gratia divina: (by divine grace)
Of all thou bear'st the prize,
Lady, queen of paradise
Electa: (Chosen)
Maid mild, mother
es Effecta. (You are fulfilled)



Anon. English, 1300