“We approach medieval music as if it were written today,” says Friman; “medieval and contemporary pieces seem to fit incredibly well together.” The trio's core repertoire features sacred monophonic and polyphonic medieval music from England, Italy, and France; contemporary works written for the ensemble (by Anna Clyne, Gavin Bryars, William Brooks, Ivan Moody, Sungji Hong, Oleh Harkavyy, Bjørn Kruse, Trygve Seim and Andrew Smith, among others); as well as traditional Norwegian, Swedish, and Icelandic ballads and songs. In recent years, the trio has also developed collaborations both with individual musicians and larger ensembles and orchestras.
Following acclaimed albums which juxtapose the medieval and the modern (“Words of the Angel”, “Soir, dit-elle”, and “Stella Maris”), the group were joined by Norwegian percussionist Birger Mistereggen for their 2008 release, “Folk Songs”, an exploration of Norway’s folk heritage. In his liner notes for the trio’s 2014 album, “Aquilonis”, John Potter describes the group’s ability to "create a synthesis of sound and atmosphere... history and geography blending seamlessly”.
Sanctus
Trio Mediæval Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua.
Osanna in excelsis.
Benedictus qui venit
in nomine Domini.
Osanna in excelsis.
Holy, holy, holy
Lord God of Hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
The lyrics to Trio Mediæval's song "Sanctus" are a traditional Latin text commonly used in Christian liturgy, particularly during the Eucharistic prayer. The repetition of the word "Sanctus" emphasizes the holiness and divine nature of God, acknowledging his purity and divine presence. The phrase "Dominus Deus Sabaoth" refers to the Lord God of Hosts, emphasizing God's power and authority over all creation.
The second line of the song, "Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua," translates to "Heaven and earth are full of your glory." This line reflects the belief that God's divine presence permeates the entire universe, with both the heavenly realms and the earthly realm recognizing and praising his glory. It is a declaration of God's omnipotence and his reign over all creation.
The phrase "Osanna in excelsis" is a joyous exclamation of praise and adoration to God. It is an expression of worship, often associated with the triumphant entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem in Christian tradition. The repetition of this phrase at the end of each stanza further emphasizes the joy and exultation felt in the presence of God.
The final stanza, "Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini," means "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." This line is a reference to Jesus, who is seen as the one who brings salvation and redemption to humanity. It highlights the importance of Jesus' role in God's plan of salvation and the recognition of his divinity.
Overall, these lyrics convey a sense of reverence, awe, and praise for God. They acknowledge his holiness, power, and glory, while also recognizing the role of Jesus as the blessed one who comes in God's name. Through its repetitive structure and powerful language, the song invites listeners to join in the worship and praise of the divine.
Line by Line Meaning
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus
Holy, holy, holy
Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Lord God of Hosts.
Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Osanna in excelsis.
Hosanna in the highest.
Benedictus qui venit
Blessed is he who comes
in nomine Domini.
in the name of the Lord.
Osanna in excelsis.
Hosanna in the highest.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Mats Eilertsen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind