The strophe of Sacris solemniis that begins with the words "Panis angelicus" (bread of angels) has often been set to music separately from the rest of the hymn. Most famously, in 1872 César Franck set this strophe for voice (tenor), harp, cello, and organ, and incorporated it into his Messe à trois voix Opus 12.
The phenomenon whereby the strophe of Sacris solemniis that begins with the words "Panis angelicus" is often treated as a separate hymn has occurred also with other hymns that Thomas Aquinas wrote for Corpus Christi: Verbum supernum prodiens (the last two strophes begin with "O salutaris Hostia") and Pange lingua gloriosi (the last two strophes begin with "Tantum ergo", in which case the word ergo ["therefore"] makes evident that this part is the continuation of a longer hymn).
Renditions of the setting by Franck
The 1932 performance of Franck's work by John McCormack in Dublin's Phoenix Park became the highlight of his career. Noteworthy renditions have also been performed by tenors Luciano Pavarotti (alone, with his father, and in company of Sting), Plácido Domingo, Richard Crooks, Donald Braswell II and Roberto Alagna, as well as by the sopranos Magda Olivero, Charlotte Church, Renata Scotto and Chloë Agnew (with Celtic Woman). This work was performed by Richard Tucker at the funeral mass of United States Senator and Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy on June 8, 1968 as well as by Placido Domingo and Yo-Yo Ma at the funeral mass for his brother Senator Edward Kennedy on August 29, 2009, televised nationally in the USA. The cellist Julian Lloyd Webber recorded it on the 1998 album Cello Moods. Italian classical singer, Micheal Castaldo recorded an Italian version of this song on his 2010 album, Aceto.
Panis Angelicus
Andrea Bocelli Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fit panis hominum
Dat panis coelicus
Figuris terminum
O res mirabilis
Manducat dominum
Pauper, pauper
Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis
Panis angelicus
Fit panis hominum
Dat panis coelicus
Figuris terminum
O res mirabilis
Manducat dominum
Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis
Pauper, pauper
Servus, servus et humilis
The lyrics of Andrea Bocelli's "Panis Angelicus" are in Latin, a language often used in classical and religious music. The title translates to "Bread of Angels." The first verse expresses the idea that the bread of angels becomes the bread of men, and the bread that comes from heaven is the end of all symbols. The next verse marvels at the wonder of consuming the Lord, and acknowledges the humility and poverty of the singer, who identifies as a servant.
The repetition of the final lines, "Pauper, pauper, servus et humilis," underscores the singer's modesty and devotion by emphasizing that they are poor, lowly, and a servant. Through the song's lyrics, the singer portrays their reverence and gratitude for the divine and the privilege of partaking in the physical embodiment of God.
Line by Line Meaning
Pannis angelicus
The Bread of Angels
Fit panis hominum
Becomes the bread of mankind
Dat panis coelicus
The heavenly bread gives
Figuris terminum
An end to symbols
O res mirabilis
Oh, what a wonder
Manducat dominum
That one may eat the Lord
Pauper, pauper
Poor, poor
Servus et humilis
A servant and humble
Servus, servus et humilis
A servant, a servant and humble
Panis angelicus
The Bread of Angels
Fit panis hominum
Becomes the bread of mankind
Dat panis coelicus
The heavenly bread gives
Figuris terminum
An end to symbols
O res mirabilis
Oh, what a wonder
Manducat dominum
That one may eat the Lord
Pauper, pauper
Poor, poor
Servus et humilis
A servant and humble
Pauper, pauper
Poor, poor
Servus, servus et humilis
A servant, a servant and humble
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: C. FRANCK, HELENA LIND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Valeria Velazquez
Se imaginan estar en ese lugar, y escuchar esa hermosa voz. Seria algo increíble, simplemente mis respetos a este gran ser humano con una voz fascinante llena de tantas emociones y sentimientos. Un honor poder estar viva y poder escuchar esta melodía.
Line On
Es mi sueño, estar presente,verle escuchar su maravillosa voz. Sublime en ese lugar,que belleza de voz y persona,lo admiro por su perceverancia humanidad y su voz que me riega el alma me da paz
Salas Carmen
That's so true (:
SGC GRADG
Bellísimo con su voz y el acompañamiento del piano extraordinaria interpretación Gracias a Dios por su vida señor Bocheli, bendiciones por hacernos vibrar con este tema. Muchas gracias por compartir.
María Salomé Avilés Domínguez
Qué maravilla!! Dios te bendiga Andrea Bocelli 🍸🌼
drewmckenzie001@
Hi Salome passing by and your beauty got me attracted your face is glowing you got an amazing smile hope your day is as beautiful as you are
Bivins Blinc
Hello 👋
Alice Gil
Mette maim
Iubr à vous
patricia bennett
Very emotional and wonderful.Andrea knows how to sing perfectly. I adore him and his hardworking ethic . Thank you so very much. Kindest.
Claudia Souza
Lindo, sempre emocionante ouvir este príncipe da música.