This edition was prepared by Marcos Mato — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Fili, mihi quem lachrumae
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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Fili, mihi quem lachrumae by Gregor Aichinger — Lyrics
Prima parte
Fili, mihi quem lachrumae, gemitus, dolor,
dedere adoptiuum, illius nati loco,
quem gaudia inter, et sonos caelestium,
enixa sum olim (ah dura permutatio!)
Me respice, atque hoc gentis Habraeae nefas.
Compatere Domino, compatere matri. Parens
rerum ipsa, rerum deflet artificem omnium.
Sol pallidus moeret petras rumpit dolor.
Motum tumultuat solum, excusisse si
tantum scelus quaeat. En adyta sacrarii,
scissis sacerdotem requirunt carbasis.
Quin & reclusis flent sepulchris mortui.
Seconda parte
O, sive dominam, sive matrem dixero
te rectius, utinam loco res sint eo,
ut lacrumis monitore opus sit. Non lacrumae,
imber cadit nolente vultu. Heu maximum, heu
tristissimum scelerum omnium, quae saeculis
vidit peructis sol, videbit posteris.
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About Fili, mihi quem lachrumae
Gregor Aichinger's Fili, mihi quem lachrumae is a sacred motet for SSATB voices. Its text draws deeply from the Passion narrative, exploring the profound sorrow of Mary at the foot of the cross. The first part directly addresses Jesus, her adopted son, lamenting the pain and injustice of his suffering. The composer vividly depicts the cosmic upheaval accompanying the crucifixion, with the sun paling and rocks rending. The second part shifts to a more direct address to Mary, questioning whether she is mother or mistress, and acknowledging the overwhelming torrent of her tears. The motet's dramatic text and rich vocal writing make it a powerful reflection on Christ's sacrifice and Mary's grief.
