Te Lucis Ante Terminum
For solo SATB a cappella (divisi) (2014), 4’
Text: Anonymous (Latin)
First Runner-Up, 2019 IFCM Composition Competition
Commissioned by the Duke Vespers Ensemble.
Premiered April 9, 2015, Durham, NC; Duke Vespers Ensemble, Music Director Brian Schmidt.
Program Notes
There are a great many chant tones for the compline hymn, Te lucis ante terminum. I based my work on a lesser-known tone largely because of its emphasis on the raised 6th degree, characteristic of the Dorian mode. The chant permeates every measure of my work, as the basis for ostinati, a melody for harmonization in the slow section, and a random “babbling brook” texture underpinning the tenor solo. A prayer for comfort and security at the end of the day, composers have usually provided the text with a slow and serene atmosphere. I read some more urgency into the lines and thus my work proceeds at a more spirited pace. The frequent presence of 7/8 meter, implicit in the original chant itself, heightens the effect. The work was commissioned by the Duke University Vespers Ensemble, Music Director Brian Schmidt.
Te Lucis Ante Terminum
Anonymous (Latin)
Before the end of light,
Creator of all things, we ask
that with your customary clemency you might be guardian of our safety.
May our hearts dream of you;
may they feel you in their sleep; and may they ever sing your glory by the coming light.
Grant us healthful life;
restore our ardor;
may your brightness illuminate the foul gloom of night.
Grant this, almighty Father,
through Jesus Christ the Lord,
who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever.
Amen.
Te lucis ante terminum,
rerum Creator, poscimus,
ut solita clementia
sis praesul ad custodiam.
Te corda nostra somnient,
te per soporem sentiant,
tuamque semper gloriam
vicina luce concinant.
Vitam salubrem tribue,
nostrum calorem refice,
taetram noctis caliginem
tua collustret claritas.
Praesta, Pater omnipotens,
per Iesum Christum Dominum,
qui tecum in perpetuum
regnat cum Sancto Spiritu.
Amen.