O Sola Magnarum Urbium | Prudentius Strikes Again
Chant School
Link to Music Today we learn another hymn of Prudentius -- listen to Audit Tyrannus Anxius from a few weeks ago to learn about his story -- O Sola Magnarum Urbium. This Epiphany hymn is also drawn from his Cathemerinon, and sings the praises of Bethlehem, noblest of cities, where the Lord was born and the Kings came to worship. 1. Bethlehem! of noblest cities None can once with thee compare; Thou alone the Lord from heaven Didst for us Incarnate bear. 2. Fairer than the sun at morning Was the star that told His birth; To the lands their God announcing, Hid beneath a form of earth. 3. By its lambent beauty guided, See the eastern kings appear; See them bend, their gifts to offer-Gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh. 4. Solemn things of mystic meaning!-Incense doth the God disclose; Gold a royal Child proclaimeth; Myrrh a future tomb foreshows. 5. Holy Jesu, in Thy brightnessTo the Gentile world displayed,With the Father and the Spirit,Endless praise to Thee be paid.
About Podcast
In the Chant School, you will learn the most ancient melodies and texts in the Christian tradition. St. Hugh of Cluny once spoke of how the learning, practicing, and singing of Gregorian chant is a sure way to grow in holiness, in closeness to the Word, and in submission to the discipline of singing God’s praises. Floriani has taken these words to heart, and it is our intent to inspire and educate the next generation of Catholic musicians in the spirit of this beautiful inheritance. We hope you enjoy learning how to sing Gregorian Chant -- the greatest artistic treasure of the Catholic Church!