He lived until well into the seventeenth century without writing music in the new Baroque fashion, but his superbly constructed keyboard works marked the beginning of the Baroque organ and harpsichord style. Byrd's life is interesting because of his Roman Catholic sympathies combined with his work in the court of the Anglican Queen Elizabeth I.
He composed much music, if intermittently, for the Roman Catholic liturgy, particularly in his later years; the two volumes of Gradualia are a prime example. Possibly as a result of this he did not receive widespread recognition in his lifetime, but was very well respected among the Roman Catholic gentry. In the anti-Catholic frenzy following the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, the first volume of the Gradualia (1605), was banned in England under penalty of imprisonment, as indeed was all of his Catholic music; however, his Anglican music - such as the Short Service, and the Responses - has been sung in English cathedrals uninterrupted for the past four centuries.
Ne irascaris Domine
William Byrd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
et ne ultra memineris iniquitatis nostrae.
Ecce respice populus tuus omnes nos.
Civitas sancti tui facta est deserta.
Sion deserta facta est,
Jerusalem desolata est.
The lyrics of William Byrd's song "Ne irascaris, Domine" depict the desperation and plea of the people to God. The first line, "Ne irascaris Domine satis," translates to "Do not be wrathful, Lord, enough." It is a cry to God to not be angry with the people anymore as they have undergone immense suffering and pain. The next line, "et ne ultra memineris iniquitatis nostrae," translates to "and do not remember our iniquity anymore." The people are aware of their wrongdoings and ask for forgiveness and mercy.
The following lines, "Ecce respice populus tuus omnes nos," translate to "Behold, look upon your people- all of us," asking for God's help and attention to their agonizing situation. In the last few lines, the people describe how their holy city, Jerusalem, has become desolate- "Civitas sancti tui facta est deserta. Sion deserta facta est, Jerusalem desolata est." This represents the abandonment and destruction of their community, and they seek God's help to restore their city and their faith.
Overall, the song portrays a sense of hopelessness, pain, and desperation among the people. It highlights the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness during difficult times and trusting in his ability to heal and restore.
Line by Line Meaning
Ne irascaris Domine satis,
Lord, please do not be angry enough to punish us any further than we already have been.
et ne ultra memineris iniquitatis nostrae.
Do not hold our past sins against us anymore.
Ecce respice populus tuus omnes nos.
Look at your people, all of us waiting and depending on you.
Civitas sancti tui facta est deserta.
The city of your holy ones has become a desert.
Sion deserta facta est,
Zion has become a desert.
Jerusalem desolata est.
Jerusalem is left in ruins.
Contributed by Victoria N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@veronicamccarron1508
How THRILLED Byrd would be to know that this glorious composition has become a beloved favourite, over 400 yrs after he wrote it.
It has just reached No. 40, in the BBC's Classic fm's most beloved pieces of 2023, the 400th anniversary of his death!
Isnt that astonishing and gives us all hope! Who knows what impact we will have on generations 400 yrs from now!
It is very humbling to think of it... we are merely a blink in the history of our world! ❤️🇮🇪🇺🇦🙏
@DerickRose-ld2qv
I am a Jamaican musician who is well acquainted with William Byrd. I listened to this on the morning my Mother passed away. I also stood on top of The Mount Of Olives in Jerusalem listening to this, and was indeed blessed. I think this Choir performs a brilliant rendition of this piece. Bravo.❤
@pattiday431
Sitting in my church all alone with Jesus, meditating and praying on this frosty Monday morning, the Second Week of Advent. The sun is shining through the stained glass and the sound of your voices resonates so beautifully in the empty church. Come Lord Jesus.
@hopefullylost4012
I envy you that you can do that.
@besthillsongworshipsongs48
To anyone who is listening this, I pray that whatever is hurting you or whatever you're constantly stressing about gets better.May the dark thoughts, the overthinking, and doubt exit your mind right now.May you receive peace and blessings.Amen🙏🏽
@davedickinson9260
What a truly beautiful thing to say. May you be greatly blessed. Rev Dev
@joer5627
You have been paid a wonderful compliment. Our 2 year old granddaughter heard this playing. She moved slowly as though not knowing what to expect. Standing frozen, she only moved her mouth to mirror what she saw.
I was close to tears seeing her amazed by what she heard.
Truthfully I can say I am one very contented Grandad. I am grateful for being able to experience this.
@laurapatrie1418
The innocence in children instantly recognizes the sublime just as it fears the ugly naturally and only becomes desensitized when the world accustoms the innocents to evil and impurity. The innocence in children is one of the most beautiful, divinely pure gifts we are given and should protect with all we have.
@marktilley7222
Laura, very well said!
@timm7400
@@laurapatrie1418 Remember what Jesus said about those who despoil that innocence. That's how special they are in the eyes of their Maker. It is that to which He wants us to attain once more when He tells us that until we are as children, we cannot enter His house. Our children and grandchildren, in their innocence, are our guides.