This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Benedictus in D minor
Staff Notation • Sacred, Morning Canticles
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Benedictus in D minor by Thomas Tallis — Lyrics
Benedíctus [Dóminus,] Deus Israël,
quia visitávit, et fecit redemptiónem plebis suæ:
Et eréxit cornu salútis nobis
in domo David, púeri sui.
Sicut locútus est per os sanctórum,
qui a sǽculo sunt, prophetárum ejus:
Salútem ex inimícis nostris,
et de manu ómnium, qui odérunt nos.
Ad faciéndam misericórdiam cum pátribus nostris:
et memorári testaménti sui sancti.
Jusjurándum, quod jurávit ad Abraham patrem nostrum,
datúrum se nobis:
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About Benedictus in D minor
Thomas Tallis’s Benedictus in D minor is scored for SATB voices, blending Latin and English texts drawn from the Canticle of Zechariah. The music opens with a sense of quiet devotion, the four voices entering in gentle dialogue, creating a rich yet transparent texture. The composer skillfully navigates the text, with the jubilant proclamation of God's deliverance and the prophecy of a Saviour conveyed through flowing melodic lines and clear harmonic progressions. This setting serves as a profound reflection on themes of redemption and divine promise, suitable for services celebrating morning canticles or as a standalone sacred work.
