Notes on the Feast of the Assumption (August 15) - Matins chants

The 1962 breviary provides two versions of the feast, the old and 'new' as options.

The only differences between them however, relate to the hymn (Quem terra pontus aethera in the old version; Surge Iam terris in the new) and readings.

Accordingly, chants for the invitatory, antiphons and responsories can be found in the Liber Responsorialis (pg 373 ff).

The new hymn, which is a new composition, has not been included in the Liber Hymnarius.  It can however be found in the appendix to the Nocturnale Romanum, <<29>>.

The translations (where available) and sources for chants for the responsories for the feast can be found under the label Assumption.  Contributions for the missing translations would be much appreciated!

Vidi speciósam sicut columbam - Assumption No 1

R. Vidi / speciósam sicut colúmbam, ascendéntem désuper rivos aquárum, † cuius inæstimábilis odor erat nimis in vestiméntis eius; * Et sicut dies verni circúmdabant eam flores rosárum et lília convállium. V. Quæ est ista quæ ascéndit per desértum † sicut vírgula fumi ex aromátibus myrrhæ et thuris? R. Et sicut dies verni circúmdabant eam flores rosárum et lília convállium.

R. I saw her, when, fair like a dove, she winged her flight above the rivers of waters. The priceless savour of her perfumes hung heavy in her garments. * And about her it was as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, and lilies of the valleys. V. Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like a pillar of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense? R. And about her it was as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, and lilies of the valleys.

LR 376/NR 268*/AM 1200/LH 522

Used:

R/B: Assumption no 1

Rosary 1953 no 2

Sources

Translation source: DO

Text: Songs 3:6, 8/Sirach 50:8

Chant

LR 376
NR 268*
AM 1200
Grego
Liber Hymnarius 522

NRP

Notes

Cantus 007878

P1 (assump); Common of a virgin

CAO (assump): C BEMVHRDFSL

Sicut cedrus exaltáta sum - Assumption no 2

R. Sicut cedrus / exaltáta sum in Líbano, et sicut cypréssus in monte Sion: † quasi myrrha elécta, * Dedi suavitátem odóris. V. Et sicut cinnamomum et bálsamum aromatízans. R. Dedi suavitátem odóris.

R. I was exalted like a cedar in Lebanon, and as a cypress-tree upon Mount Zion. Like the best myrrh; * I yielded a pleasant odour. V. Like cinnamon and sweet balsam. R. I yielded a pleasant odour.

LR 252/NR [165]

Used:

B/R: Assumption no 2

Common of the BVM no 5

Sources

Translation source: DO

Text: Sirach 24:17

Chant

LR 252
NR [165]
Grego

NRP

Notes

007657

P2

Quæ est ista quæ processit - Visitation 2/Assumption 3

R. Quæ est ista, / quæ procéssit sicut sol, et formósa tamquam Ierúsalem? * Vidérunt eam fíliæ Sion, et beátam dixérunt, † et regínæ laudavérunt eam. V. Et sicut dies verni circumdábant eam flores rosárum et lília convállium. R. Vidérunt eam fíliæ Sion, et beátam dixérunt, † et regínæ laudavérunt eam.

R. Who is this that cometh up like the sun? This, comely as Jerusalem? * The daughters of Zion saw her, and called her blessed; the queens also, and they praised her. V. And about her it was as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, and lilies of the valleys. R. The daughters of Zion saw her, and called her blessed; the queens also, and they praised her.

LR 253/NR [165]

Used:

B/R: Assumption no 3

Common of the BVM 6

1953 rosary

Sources

Translation source: DO

Text: Songs 6: 8, 9; 3:6

Chant

LR 253
NR [165]
Grego

NRP

Audio

https://youtu.be/M6lg7uLH_4k
https://youtu.be/-j0-MUKHZag

Notes

007455

P4 Ass/Nativity 4/revised = Common of a Virgin

P Nativity BVM 3 (not in Rev)

Super salutem et omnem pulchritudinem - Assumption no 4

R. Super salútem / et omnem pulchritúdinem dilécta es a Dómino, † et Regína caelórum vocári digna es * Gaudent chori angelórum consórtes et concíves nostri. V. Sola namque sine exémplo placuísti fémina Christo. R. Gaudent chori angelórum consórtes et concíves nostri. V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. R. Gaudent chori angelórum consórtes et concíves nostri.

R. You are loved by the Lord above health and all beauty, and you are worthy of being called the queen of heaven, the choirs of angels, our fellow citizens and companions, rejoice. V. For you alone have pleased Christ and are without comparison among women. R. The choirs of angels, our fellow citizens and companions, rejoice. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. The choirs of angels, our fellow citizens and companions, rejoice.

LR 377

Used:

Ben: Assumption no 4

Roman - 

Sources

Translation source: KE   - **draft for comment

Text: Wisdom 7:10; 

Chant

LR 377
Grego (different verse )

Cantus Selectii 1957

Dominican

Notes

P: Wisdom 9
OR (79) - Assp, nat BVM, Wisdom

Albi /TC 44.1- Wisdom; TC 44.2 +Assumption

CAO: Assumption B HR

Feast of St Joachim and Anna (July 26) - chants for Matins

Note that the invitatory antiphon and hymn provided for the feast in the Liber Responsorialis are not those used for the 1962 version of the feast.

Instead:

• the invitatory antiphon (Christum regem) can be found in the Liber Hymnarius, pg 585;
• the hymn, Gaude Mater, is in the Antiphonale Monasticum, pg 985;

I haven't been able to locate a chant source for the responsory, O clara stirps however (please let me know if you know of one!).

Ornatam monílibus - Assumption no 5

R. Ornátam / monílibus fíliam Ierúsalem Dóminus concupívit: * Et vidéntes eam fíliæ Sion, beatíssimam prædicavérunt, dicéntes: † Unguéntum effúsum nomen tuum. V. Astitit regína a dextris tuis in vestítu deauráto, circúmdata varietáte. R. Et vidéntes eam fíliæ Sion, beatíssimam prædicavérunt, dicéntes: † Unguéntum effúsum nomen tuum.

R. When the Lord beheld the daughter of Jerusalem adorned with her jewels, He greatly desired her beauty; * And when the daughters of Zion saw her, they cried out that she was most blessed, saying thy name is as ointment poured forth. V. Upon thy right hand did stand the Queen in a vesture of gold wrought about with divers colours. R. And when the daughters of Zion saw her, they cried out that she was most blessed, saying thy name is as ointment poured forth.

LR 253-4/NR [166]

Used:

Assumption no 5

Roman: 5

Common of the BVM 7

Sources

Translation source: DO

Text: 

Ornatam in monilibus filiam ...Isaiah 61:10/ Songs 1:2  

Astitit regina a dextris ...Ps 44 :10

Chant

LR 253-4
NR [166]
Grego
Preces variae 211

NRP

Notes

007340

P5

Beatam me dicent omnes generatiónes...Et misericordia - Assumption no 6, Visitation no 9

R. Beatam / me dicent omnes generatiónes, * Quia fecit mihi Dóminus magna qui potens est, † et sanctum nomen eius. V. Et misericórdia eius a progénie in progénies timéntibus eum. R. Quia fecit mihi Dóminus magna qui potens est, † et sanctum nomen eius.

R. All generations shall call me blessed. * For He that is Mighty, even the Lord, hath done to me great things; and Holy is His Name. V. And His mercy is on them that fear Him, from generation to generation. R. For He that is Mighty, even the Lord, hath done to me great things; and Holy is His Name.

LR 257/NR [172]

Used:

Benedictine: Assumption no 6; Nativity of the BVM no 9, Visitation no 9

Roman: Assumption 5
Common of the BVM 10

Sources

Translation source: DO

Text: Lk 1:48-50

Chant

LR 257
NR [172]
Grego

NRP

Audio

Notes

006172

P5

Beáta es Virgo Maria quæ Dóminum portásti - Common no 3 Assumption no 7

R. Beáta es, / Virgo Maria, quæ Dóminum portásti, Creatórem mundi: * Genuísti qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo. V. Ave, Maria, grátia plena; Dóminus tecum. R. Genuísti qui te fecit, et in ætérnum pérmanes Virgo.

R. Blessed art thou, O Virgin Mary, who hast carried the Lord, the Maker of the world. * Thou hast borne Him Who created thee, and thou abidest a virgin for ever. V. Hail, Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. R. Thou hast borne Him Who created thee, and thou abidest a virgin for ever.

LR 249/NR 269*

Used:

Assumption no 7

Roman 6
Common of BVM no 3

Sources

Translation source: DO

Text: non scriptural

Chant

LR 249
NR 269*

NRP

Cantus Selecti

Notes

006163

CAO: C BEMVHRDFSL

Note: P original has 6165: Beata es virgo Maria dei genetrix quae credidisti domino perfecta sunt in te quae dicta sunt tibi ecce exaltata es super choros angelorum intercede pro nobis ad dominum deum nostrum

P rev has it for Nativity BVM

Ista est speciosa inter filias Jerusalem - Assumption no 8

R. Ista est / speciósa inter filias Ierúsalem, † sicut vidístis eam plenam caritáte et dilectióne * In cubílibus et in hortis arómatum. V. Ista est quae ascéndit de desérto delíciis áffluens. R. In cubílibus et in hortis arómatum. V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. R. In cubílibus et in hortis arómatum.

R. She is the most beautiful among the daughters of Jerusalem, as you have seen her full of charity and love * In the bed and in the spice garden. V. Who is this that cometh up from the desert, flowing with delights. R. In the bed and in the spice garden. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. In the bed and in the spice garden.

LR 378/trans KE

Used:

Assumption no 8

Roman - 

Sources

Translation source: **KE (DR) - draft for comment

Text: cf Songs 6:1; 8:5/

V: Ps 44:5

Chant

LR 378
Grego (different verse)

Solesmes 2007

Notes

006994

P7 Assumption/ Common of Virgins 11

CAO (Assumption): C BE HRDFSL

for Assumption: Albi, Metz, B79

Diffusa est gratia - St Agnes no 8/Assumption no 9/

Assumption

R. Diffúsa est grátia in lábiis tuis: * Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum. V. Myrrha, et gutta, et cásia a vestiméntis tuis, † a grádibus ebúrneis, ex quibus delectavérunt te fíliæ regum in honóre tuo. R. Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

R. Grace is poured into thy lips; * Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. V. Thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces whereby kings' daughters among thy honourable women have made thee glad. R. Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

LR 254/NR 270*/LH 521

St Agnes

R. Diffúsa est / grátia in lábiis tuis, * Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum. V. Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua inténde, † próspere procéde, et regna. R. Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum. V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. R. Proptérea benedíxit te Deus in ætérnum.

R. Grace is poured into thy lips; * Therefore God hath blessed thee forever. V.  R. Therefore God hath blessed thee forever. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. Therefore God hath blessed thee forever.

LR 254

Used:

Assumption no 9/Roman 7
Common of the BVM
St Agnes no 8

Sources

Translation source: DO

Text: Ps 44:4,9, 10

Chant

(Assumption)

LR 254
NR 270*
Grego (different verse)
Liber Hymnarius 521

NRP

Notes

006446

P: ass 9

P rev: Nativity 3

Beáta es Virgo María - BVM, Assumption no 10, All Saints no 2

R. Beáta es, / Virgo María, Dei Génitrix, quæ credidísti Dómino: † perfécta sunt in te quæ dicta sunt tibi: † ecce exaltáta es super choros Angelórum: * Intercéde pro nobis ad Dóminum, Deum nóstrum. V. Ave, María, grátia plena, † Dóminus tecum. R. Intercéde pro nobis ad Dóminum, Deum nóstrum.

R. O Virgin Mary, Mother of God, blessed art thou that didst believe the Lord, for there hath been a performance of those things which were told thee from the Lord. Behold, thou art exalted over choirs of Angels. * Plead for us with the Lord our God. V. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. R. Plead for us with the Lord our God.

LR 258/NR 271*

Used:

Assumption No 10/Roman 8
All Saints no 2
Common of the BVM 3

Sources

Translation source: DO

Text: Lk1:45/28, 35

Chant

LR 258
Grego
NR 271*

NRP

Notes

006165

P: Ass 10

Hodie Maria virgo caelos ascendit - Assumption No 11

R. Hódie / María virgo caelos ascéndit gaudéte * Quia cum Christo regnat in aetérnum. V. Assúmpta est María in caelum gaudent Angeli laudántes benedícunt Dóminum. R. Quia cum Christo regnat in aetérnum.

R. Today the Virgin Mary ascends to heaven, rejoice * Because she reigns with Christ forever. V. Mary is assumed into heaven. the angels rejoice, blessing and praising the Lord. R. Because she reigns with Christ forever.

LR 379; trans KE

Used:

Assumption No 11:R - 

Sources

Translation source: KE - ** draft for comment

Text: non scriptural

Chant

LR 379

Dominican

Notes

006851

P - 

CAO: E

21 concords as at 13/8/26 - 9 spanish, 9 cantus...TC 44.1 earliest; San Sisto, Cistercian

Gaudeo plane quia hostia - St Lawrence no 12

R. Gáudeo plane, / quia hóstia Christi éffici mérui: † accusátus, non negávi; interrogátus, Christum conféssus sum; * Assátus, grátias ago. V. Ego me óbtuli sacrifícium Deo, in odórem suavitátis. R. Assátus, grátias ago. V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. R. Assátus, grátias ago.

R. I certainly because I have merited to be made a victim for Christ: when I was questioned, I confessed Christ * when being roasted, I gave Thee thanks. V. I offer myself as a sacrifice to God for an odour of sweetness. R. When being roasted, I gave Thee thanks. V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. R. When being roasted, I gave Thee thanks.

Cantus database / LaTrobe University Medieval Music Database; trans KE

Used:

St Lawrence no 12

Roman - 

Sources

Translation source: KE

Chant

Dominican chant version
LaTrobe University Medieval Music Database

Notes

006763

P8 no in H in Albi, Metz, OR (4)

CAO: C EMV DFSL

Beatus Laurentius dixit disce* - St Lawrence No 11

R. Beátus Lauréntius dixit: / Disce, miser, quanta est virtus Dómini * Nam carbónes isti non dolórem sed refrigérium mihi praestant. V. Ecce, miser assásti me una parte regýra áliam et mandúca. R. Nam carbónes isti non dolórem sed refrigérium mihi praestant.

R. Blessed Lawrence said know unhappy man how great is the power of God; * for your burning coals give me not sadness but refreshment. V. See, this side is well roasted; turn me on the other and eat. R. For your burning coals give me not sadness but refreshment.

Cantus database; trans KE

Used:

Ben: St Lawrence No 11

Roman: -

Sources

Translation source: KE

Text: Golden legend

Chant

Cantus database

Notes

006214

CAO: EMV

16 concords as at 10/8/26

not in P or H (earliest source=Florence

O Hippólyte - St Lawrence no 10

R. O Hippólyte, / si credíderis in Dóminum Jesum Christum, * Et thesáuros tibi osténdo, et vitam ætérnam promítto. V. Beátus Lauréntius Hippólyto dixit: Si credis in Dóminum Jesum Christum. R. Et thesáuros tibi osténdo, et vitam ætérnam promítto.

R. O Hippolytus, if thou believest in the Lord Jesus Christ, * I lay before thee treasure a hundredfold, and promise thee life everlasting. V. The blessed Lawrence said unto Hippolytus: If thou believest in the Lord Jesus Christ. R. I lay before thee treasure a hundred-fold, and promise thee life everlasting.

NR 265*

Used:

St Lawrence no 10

Roman: 8

Sources

Translation source: DO

Text: 

Chant

NR 265*
Grego

NRP

Notes

007271

P5

In cratícula te Deum - St Lawrence no 9

R. In cratícula / te Deum non negávi, * Et ad ignem applicátus te Dóminum Iesum Christum conféssus sum. V. Probásti, Dómine, cor meum, et visitásti nocte. R. Et ad ignem applicátus te Dóminum Iesum Christum conféssus sum.

R. Upon the bars I denied thee not, O God. * And when they put me to the fire, I acknowledged thee to be the Lord, O Jesus Christ. V. Lord, Thou hast proved mine heart and visited it by night. R. And when they put me to the fire, I acknowledged thee to be the Lord, O Jesus Christ.

NR 265*

Used:

Benedictine: St Lawrence no 9

Roman: 7

Sources

Translation source: DO

Text: 

Chant

NR 265*
Grego

NRP

Notes

Cantus: 006896

P12

On using the database and contributing to it...

This blog is a database aimed at assisting those praying the Benedictine Office of Matins as set out in the 1962 Breviarium Monasticum.

Aims

While there are books and websites that provide the readings and other texts for Matins, it is often difficult to locate sources for both the chants and translations of the responsories.  Accordingly, the blog's aim is to provide:

• English translations of the responsories for study purposes (note that the Latin remains the text designated for liturgical use); and
• sources for the chant (and other) settings of them.

Additional information on the responsories that may be of use (such as Scriptural or other sources of the texts, and links to the Cantus database listing of relevant manuscripts) may be added as time permits.

Finding a responsory (or set of responsories)

The easiest way to find a particular responsory, or the responsories needed for a particular Sunday or feast, is to use the label listing in the right hand column.

All responsories are listed by (Latin) incipit and occasions on which they are used - the responsories for Sundays in August for example, are listed under August; responsories for the Common of a type of saint under the type of saint (eg Apostles, Confessors, etc).

Sources

The key abbreviations used to refer to sources are:

Cantus: Cantus Manuscript Database
Grego: Gregofacsimil Website
DO: Divinum Officium website (Maquise of Bute translations)
DR: Douay-Rheims Bible
KE: my own translations/adaptations
LH: Liber Hymnarius
LR: Liber Responsorialis
LU: Liber Usualis
NR: Nocturnale Romanum
PM: Processionale Monasticum

*Indicates no chant source identified as yet.
**Indicates no English translation available as yet.

Contribute

This blog is a work in progress, aimed at creating a complete database for the responsories used in the Benedictine Office at Matins.

Accordingly, comments on the format/content and especially the translations are most welcome, as would be any volunteers to assist in the development of this database.

In general I am giving priority to having a complete set of the chant sources for each feast, which means in some cases texts have been entered without translations (indicated by **) as yet.  In addition, there are a number of r which I haven't been able to locate chant sources (*).  Any assistance in filling in the gaps would be greatly appreciated - I generally aim to fill in the translations in time for the feast or Sunday in 2017, but no guarantees.