This edition was prepared by Sabine Cassola — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Homo quidem erat dives / Pater Abraham
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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Homo quidem erat dives / Pater Abraham by Melchior Vulpius — Lyrics
Homo quidam erat dives qui induebatur purpura & bysso:
& epulabatur quotidiae splendide:
Erat autem quidam mendicus nomine Lazarus
qui cupiebat saturari de micis,
quae cadebant de mensa divitis.
Accidit autem ut moreretur mendicus
& deportaretur ab Angelis in sinum Abrahae.
Mortuus est autem & dives, ac sepultus est.
Atque in tartaro sublatis oculis suis
cum esset in tormentis vidit Abraham eminus & Lazarus insinum eius
& ipse clamans, dixit:
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About Homo quidem erat dives / Pater Abraham
This motet by Melchior Vulpius sets a Latin text from the parable of Dives and Lazarus. It is written for a large SSATTB choir, offering rich harmonic possibilities. The text contrasts the comfortable life of the rich man with the suffering of Lazarus, and then recounts the rich man's torment after death and his plea to Abraham. Vulpius’s setting would likely reflect the dramatic shifts in the narrative, from earthly comfort to eternal suffering and supplication. This is a powerful example of sacred polyphony from the period, suitable for a choir looking to explore significant Lutheran repertoire.
