Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Reges Tharsis (Liber Usualis)

    The story of the kings of Tarshish and Sheba who travel to bring tribute to “the king’s son” (Psalm 72) has inspired composers throughout the ages, including those who published their work in the 11th-century Liber Usualis, a book of commonly used Gregorian chants composed by the monks of the Abbey of Solesmes in France. 

Reges Tharsis et ínsulae munera offerent:
 reges Arabum et et Saba dona adducent:
 et adorabunt eum omnes reges terrae,
omnes gentes servient ei. 

The kings of Tarshish and the islands shall offer gifts,
the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.
 All kings shall pay him homage,
all nations shall serve him. 

You can hear this Epiphany offertory performed in Latin by the Schola des Moines de Montserrat by clicking on the video below. 


Image source: The Adoration of the Magi, figural group, probably Flanders ca. 1525, carved of walnut.
https://www.cooperhewitt.org/2013/01/06/when-scents-were-as-precious-as-gold-and-wood-carving-told-the-tale-the-adoration-of-the-magi/ 
Video source

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