O Lux Beata (Vocal Score)

Other Info: This song was commissioned by the Fotheringhay Singers. The work contrasts a plainsong style melody over the organ pedals with the rich and lyrical outpouring of the larger choral sections. The climatic “O lux beata’ in the larger sections expands each time it returns. It is the final appearance which should be the largest, and the contrast between it and the very soft ending just a few bars later should demonstrate both poles of a choir’s full dynamic range.

A recording is available on Lux Et Veritas on the Signum Classics label.

O lux beata Trinitas,
et principalis Unitas.
As now the fiery sun departs,
shed Thou Thy beams within our hearts. 
Te mane laudum carmine,
te deprecemur vespere:
te nostra supplex gloria
per cuncta laudet sæcula. 
Deo Patri sit gloria,
eiusque soli Filio,
cum Spiritu Paraclito,
et nunc, et in perpetuum.