Text
Latin
The original Latin text of the motet is from a response (at Matins, for the 3rd Lesson, during the V week of September), in the Sarum Rite, adapted from the Book of Judith. Today the response appears in the Divine Office of the Latin rite in the Office of Readings (formerly called Matins) following the first lesson on Tuesday of the 29th Week of the Year.
Spem in alium nunquam habui praeter in te
Deus Israel
qui irasceris
et propitius eris
et omnia peccata hominum in tribulatione dimittis
Domine Deus
Creator coeli et terrae
respice humilitatem nostram
There is no early manuscript source giving the underlay for the Latin text: the 1610 copies give the underlay for the English contrafactum "Sing and glorify", with the Latin words given at the bottom.
English translation
I have never put my hope in any other but in You,
O God of Israel
who can show both anger
and graciousness,
and who absolves all the sins of suffering man
Lord God,
Creator of Heaven and Earth
be mindful of our lowliness
Spem in alium
Thomas Tallis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Deus Israel
qui irasceris
et propitius eris
et omnia peccata hominum in tribulatione dimittis
Domine Deus
Creator coeli et terrae
respice humilitatem nostram
The lyrics to Thomas Tallis's song Spem in alium are in Latin and translate to "I have never put my hope in any other but in You, O God of Israel who will be angry and yet become again gracious and who forgives all the sins of suffering humanity, Lord God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, look upon our humility."
The song Spem in alium is famous for being a 40-part motet, meaning that it was written for eight choirs of five voices each. This creates an incredibly layered and complex sound, with each voice contributing to the overall texture of the music. The song was likely composed in the 1570s or 1580s for Queen Elizabeth I, who was a patron of Tallis's work.
The song is also notable for being a showcase of Tallis's skill as a composer, with its complex polyphonic structure and use of imitative counterpoint. It is said to be one of the most challenging pieces of music to perform, requiring a large group of skilled singers and careful coordination to create the intricate harmonies and rhythms.
Line by Line Meaning
Spem in alium nunquam habui praeter in te
I have never placed my hope in anyone else except You.
Deus Israel
You are the God of Israel.
qui irasceris
You who are angry
et propitius eris
and will be merciful
et omnia peccata hominum in tribulatione dimittis
and forgive all the sins of humanity in times of trouble.
Domine Deus
Lord God
Creator coeli et terrae
Creator of heaven and earth.
respice humilitatem nostram
Look upon our humility.
Contributed by Allison A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lisamariemoose9054
What’s really magical is to feel the hand of god and then have a White Claw commercial blast through
@MaggieAgonistes
It was f!king AirBnB for me, right in the midst of that incredible fermata before all 40 voices come together at once. INFURIATING
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@snufkinhollow318
Well, at least mine was kind of appropriate. I was sitting with the cats, just drifting off into the beauty of the music and I got an ad for Dreamies cat treats. Still bloody infuriating!
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@gileslarge3801
About 25 years ago, we drove from London to Cambridge to hear this sublime piece of 16th century Anglo-Catholic music composed by Thomas Tallis, a genius whose brilliance allowed Queen Elizabeth to ignore his religious faith.
It was sung twice by the superb choir in King's chapel and we drove home delighted with what we had experienced.
My wife, Jinnie, died 8 years ago but whenever I hear Spem in Alium I think of you, my darling, and that you are also enjoying it.
@DavidNesbit_theTHINKER
Giles Large Dear Giles, Rest easy in the knowledge that your Jinnie is looking down on you as you both remember your life and times together as well as shared reverence and enjoyment in this masterpiece. May the Lord shine his light upon you now and in the time ahead as you prepare once more to embrace your Jinnie. God Bless.
@gileslarge3801
David Nesbit Thank you David. I've managed not to listen to this beautiful music for months. I am nearly in tears, of total sadness and amazement that anyone could compose anything quite so stunning and ageless.
G
@puggilove
Giles Large bless you, that's a lovely story to share with us :)