Beata Viscera
Jan Garbarek [Saxophone] Lyrics
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Marie virginis,
Cuius ad ubera
Rex magni nominis;
Veste sub altera
Vim celans numinis
Dictavit federa
Dei et hominis.
O mira novitas
Et novum gaudium,
Matris integritas
Post puerperium.
Legis mosayce
Clausa misteria;
Nux virge mystice
Nature nescia;
Aqua de silice,
Columpna previa,
Prolis dominice
Signa sunt propera.
O mira novitas
Et novum gaudium,
Matris integritas
Post puerperium.
Solem, quem libere,
Dum purus oritur
In aura cernere
Visus non patitur,
Cernat a latere
Dum repercutitur,
Alvus puepere,
Qua totus clauditur.
O mira novitas
Et novum gaudium,
Matris integritas
Post puerperium.
The lyrics to Jan Garbarek's song Beata Viscera are in Latin and they are a hymn praising the virgin Mary. The song speaks to the beauty and wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ, calling attention to Mary's purity and the divine nature of her relationship with him.
The first stanza speaks of Mary's blessed womb, which nurtured the son of a great ruler. Underneath her humble clothing, she hides the divine will of God and man coming together. The second stanza praises the holy mystery surrounding Mary's pregnancy and the birth of Christ. The birth of the son of God within the pure and immaculate body of Mary is a true miracle that brings great joy to those who believe.
The final stanza speaks of the light of the sun, which cannot be looked at directly without causing harm to the eyes. Similarly, the divine light of Christ within Mary's womb cannot be directly seen but is felt through its radiance. The virgin birth of Christ within Mary's pure and closed womb is indeed a new miracle and joy that is unmatched.
Overall, Garbarek's song is a beautiful tribute to the wonder and beauty of the virgin birth of Jesus through Mary that has been celebrated and praised for centuries.
Line by Line Meaning
Beata viscera
Blessed body
Marie virginis,
Of the Virgin Mary
Cuius ad ubera
At whose breast
Rex magni nominis;
The King of great renown;
Veste sub altera
Cloaked in another
Vim celans numinis
Hiding the power of divinity
Dictavit federa
Established the pact
Dei et hominis.
Of God and man.
O mira novitas
O wondrous newness
Et novum gaudium,
And new joy
Matris integritas
The mother's purity
Post puerperium.
After giving birth.
Legis mosayce
The law of Moses
Clausa misteria;
Mystery hidden;
Nux virge mystice
The mystical nut of the virgin
Nature nescia;
Unknown to nature;
Aqua de silice,
Water from the rock,
Columpna previa,
The ancient pillar,
Prolis dominice
The Lord's offspring
Signa sunt propera.
These are the signs.
Solem, quem libere,
The sun, which freely
Dum purus oritur
Rising pure
In aura cernere
Cannot be seen in the air
Visus non patitur,
Cannot be perceived
Cernat a latere
It is seen from the side
Dum repercutitur,
When it is reflected
Alvus puepere,
The womb of a virgin
Qua totus clauditur.
In which the whole is enclosed.
O mira novitas
O wondrous newness
Et novum gaudium,
And new joy
Matris integritas
The mother's purity
Post puerperium.
After giving birth.
Contributed by Avery F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ramsam70
I am here because of Frank and The Music Shop. Thank you Rachel Joyce. This is lovely and one really should lie on their back to listen.
@christelpretorius7097
Busy reading the book. Can't put it down...
@apryl2565
Thats why I'm here too!
@centexmcc
Same here.
@LynnAGarcia
I came for the same reason.
@ramsam70
hope you loved it! I lleant out my copy and I miss it already.
@barbaraperi
So wonderful how we all are sharing this music with Frank and Ms. Joyce! The whole world needs to listen.🌷
@dianapowerpratchett1419
I'm also here because of Frank and The Music Shop. What an introduction to marvellous music. Thank you Rachel Joyce so very much.
@travellingrhea6856
What a beautiful piece of music; just as Frank describes in the book. Such a wonderful book and such an amazing idea. Wish I could thank Rachel Joyce on person.
@scattydavies2589
Oh my God this is stunning, thanks Frank ♥️ and Rachel Joyce of course ❤️