Composer

:

Joâo IV of Portugal

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

ca. 1615

Publication Date

:

1843

Average_duration

:

4:13

Crux fidelis is a hymn composed by João IV of Portugal in the 17th century. It is a hymn that is sung during Holy Week, particularly on Good Friday. The hymn is a tribute to the cross of Christ and its significance in the Christian faith. The hymn was composed in 1640, during the reign of João IV of Portugal. It was first performed in the Royal Chapel of Lisbon on Good Friday of that year. The hymn quickly became popular and was adopted by the Catholic Church as a standard hymn for Holy Week. Crux fidelis is composed of six verses, each with its own melody. The hymn is typically sung in a slow and solemn manner, with a focus on the lyrics and the message they convey. The first verse begins with the words "Crux fidelis, inter omnes arbor una nobilis" which translates to "O faithful cross, among all trees, the only noble one." The second verse continues with the theme of the cross as a symbol of redemption, with the words "Nulla silva talem profert, fronde, flore, germine" which means "No forest produces such leaves, flowers, or fruit." The third verse speaks of the wounds of Christ and the blood that was shed on the cross, with the words "Dulce lignum, dulces clavos, dulce pondus sustinet" which translates to "Sweet wood, sweet nails, sweet burden borne." The fourth verse speaks of the power of the cross to conquer death and sin, with the words "Sola digna tu fuisti ferre saeculi pretium, atque portum praeparare nauta mundo naufrago" which means "You alone were worthy to bear the price of the world and to prepare a port for the shipwrecked sailor." The fifth verse speaks of the joy and hope that the cross brings to believers, with the words "Gloria, laus et honor tibi sit, Rex Christe, Redemptor" which translates to "Glory, praise, and honor to you, Christ the King, Redeemer." The final verse is a prayer to the cross, with the words "Salve, ara, salve, victima, de passionis gloria, qua vita mortem pertulit, et morte vitam reddidit" which means "Hail, altar, hail, victim, of the glory of the passion, by which life endured death, and by death gave life." Overall, Crux fidelis is a powerful hymn that speaks to the central message of the Christian faith. Its solemn melody and powerful lyrics make it a fitting tribute to the cross of Christ and its significance in the lives of believers.

More....