Beata Viscera
Vox Clamantis 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 integrita
post puerperium.
Populus gentium
sedens in tenebris
surgit ad gaudium
partus tam celebris:
Iudea tedium
fovet in latebris,
cor gerens conscium
delicet funebris,
O mira novitas
et novum gaudium,
matris integrita
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 integrita
post puerperium.
Solem, quem librere,
Dum purus otitur
In aura cernere
visus non patitur,
cernat a latere
dum repercutitur,
alvus puerpere,
qua totus clauditur.
O mira novitas
et novum gaudium,
matris integrita
post puerperium
The Latin hymn "Beata Viscera" speaks about the blessed womb and body of the Virgin Mary who bore the great King. The first stanza refers to the divine and human nature of Christ being united in the womb of Mary, veiled by her clothing. The stanza also explains that God's covenant with humankind was announced within her.
The second and third stanzas speak about the wondrous joy that occurred after Mary gave birth to her child, Jesus. The birth of Jesus brought light to those in darkness, specifically to the people of Judea who were living in deep depression. The hymn speaks of the newness of the moment and calls it "a new and different kind of joy." It also mentions the hidden mysteries of the Old Testament being revealed by the birth of Jesus and the clear signs he is providing.
The last stanza speaks about the sun setting and its light being obstructed by the buildings and enveloped in darkness, much like the child in the womb. It calls to our attention to how the child is hidden within Mary and is unseen, but when he is born, he brings light to the world.
Overall, the hymn speaks of the joy and wonderment surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ and how it is a moment of spiritual significance for people all around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Beata viscera
Blessed womb
Marie virginis
Of the Virgin Mary
cuius ad ubera
Whose breasts
rex magni nominis;
The king of a great name;
veste sub altera
Under another garment
vim celans numinis
Concealing the power of divinity
dictavit federa
Established a covenant
Dei et hominis
Of God and man
O mira novitas
O wondrous novelty
et novum gaudium,
And a new joy
matris integrita
The mother's intactness
post puerperium.
After childbirth.
Populus gentium
The people of the nations
sedens in tenebris
Sitting in darkness
surgit ad gaudium
Rise to joy
partus tam celebris:
Such a celebrated birth:
Iudea tedium
Judea's boredom
fovet in latebris,
Nurtured in hiding,
cor gerens conscium
Bearing a conscious heart
delicet funebris,
Enchanted by death,
Legis mosayce
The law of Moses
clausa misteria;
Closed mysteries;
nux virge mystice
The nut of the mystic virgin
nature nescia;
Ignorant of nature;
aqua de silice,
Water from the rock,
columpna previa,
A pillar in advance,
prolis dominice
Of the Lord's progeny
signa sunt propera.
Are swift signs.
Solem, quem librere,
The sun that flies,
Dum purus otitur
While it enjoys pureness
In aura cernere
It does not allow itself to be seen in the breeze
visus non patitur,
It cannot be seen,
cernat a latere
Let him see from the side
dum repercutitur,
While it is reflected,
alvus puerpere,
The womb of the mother,
qua totus clauditur.
In which the whole is enclosed.
Writer(s): Jan Garbarek, Magister Perotinas
Contributed by Evelyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@RemunJ66
Just wonderful … Thanks for sharing 👌😊
@CumieMusic
♡ so beautiful. reminds me of some work we do in our group, MuOM Barcelona Overtone Singing Choir.
@Paskaloth
Any idea what instrument is creating that higher pitched sound heard throughout this song?
@christopherrutland1686
It's actually a technique called "overtone singing." Here's the wiki link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtone_singing
@Paskaloth
Thanks I'll check it out!