Metrical Lament of the Virgin
  • PLTT
    Posts: 149
    The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows and the sequence had me wondering if there is, in English, a metrical "planctus" or lament of the Virgin at the crucifixion of Christ? Something that could be used at one of the paraliturgical "Ora della Desolata/della Madre" services on Good Friday/Holy Saturday?
  • Chaswjd
    Posts: 256
    You might want to check out http://www.stabatmater.info/english/ which has several translations of the Stabat Mater. One might work for you.
  • Richard MixRichard Mix
    Posts: 2,768
    I've experimented a bit with a 'diplomatic' pronunciation in the Middle English Stond wel modder onder roode. But are you seeking a congregational hymn, solo, choir anthem…?
    Thanked by 1PLTT
  • PLTT
    Posts: 149
    I was thinking more congregational hymn - or at least a congregational refrain, and easy melody........ I know of a few non-metrical pieces for a choir like Taveners "Lament of the Virgin" but I wanted something that could be set to a familiar or easy-to-pick-up tune.
  • PLTT
    Posts: 149
    Once again, I find myself looking for a suitable musical piece on the Lamentation of the Blessed Virgin (Stabat Mater does not work, it is more geared toward the crucifixion rather than the burial of the Lord) for the "Ora della Desolata" and "Ora della Madre". In the past, there was no music for these services in my parish - it consisted of recited rosaries and other prayers.

    Does anyone know of a hymn on the lament of the Virgin Mary, or has anyone composed one? I have found a few Servite resources (in Italian) that seem to borrow from the Byzantine tradition. But something metrical (87.87D or LM or CM) would be ideal.
  • francis
    Posts: 10,668
    Let me look into this when I get back later today. I could compose something tonight.

    Please post (or point me to) the text and an explanation of how you’re going to use this in the service.
  • CGM
    Posts: 683
    You may be interested in pp. 157 & 159 of this book.
  • RoborgelmeisterRoborgelmeister
    Posts: 139
    What a sea of tears and sorrows
    https://hymnary.org/text/what_a_sea_of_tears_and_sorrows
    Several tunes to choose from.

    and
    O mother, most afflicted, Standing beneath that tree
    https://hymnary.org/text/o_mother_most_afflicted_standing_beneath

    Here is another text: Come, darkness, spread o’er Heav’n thy pall
    https://supremacyandsurvival.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-vespers-hymn-for-feast-of-seven.html
    The meter is C.M. Windsor is an elegant tune. Consolation (Morning Song-Dare) and Detroit (Kentucky Harmony, Bradshaw) would also be appropriate tunes.

    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
  • RoborgelmeisterRoborgelmeister
    Posts: 139
    Another that might be useful
    https://www.preces-latinae.org/thesaurus/BVM/OPSDMariae.html
    The hymns are translated in the meter of 8.7.8.7.D
    Thanked by 1CHGiffen
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