Composer

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Gregorian Chant

Genre

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Choral

Style

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Chant

Average_duration

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0:48

Deus in adjutorium. . . Domine ad adjuvandum is a Gregorian Chant that is commonly used as an opening antiphon in the Roman Catholic liturgy. The chant is believed to have been composed in the 7th century and is attributed to St. Gregory the Great. The chant is typically sung at the beginning of the Divine Office, which is a series of prayers and psalms that are recited by members of the clergy throughout the day. The chant is divided into two parts, the first of which is Deus in adjutorium meum intende, which translates to "O God, come to my assistance." This part of the chant is sung by a cantor or choir, and is followed by a response from the congregation, which is Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina, which translates to "O Lord, make haste to help me." The second part of the chant is Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto, which translates to "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit." This part of the chant is sung by the cantor or choir, and is followed by a response from the congregation, which is Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen, which translates to "As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen." The chant is characterized by its simplicity and its use of plainchant, which is a form of monophonic, unaccompanied singing that is characterized by its lack of harmony and its use of a single melody line. The chant is also notable for its use of Latin, which was the language of the Roman Catholic Church at the time of its composition. Deus in adjutorium. . . Domine ad adjuvandum has been performed and recorded by numerous artists and choirs, and is considered to be one of the most important and enduring works of Gregorian Chant. Its use in the Roman Catholic liturgy has helped to establish it as a cornerstone of Western music, and its influence can be heard in a wide range of musical genres, from classical to popular music.

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