Composer

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Gregorian Chant

Genre

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Choral

Style

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Chant: Gregorian

Average_duration

:

2:52

Pange lingua gloriosi is a hymn in mode 4 composed by Gregorian Chant. It is believed to have been composed by St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century for the Feast of Corpus Christi. The hymn is divided into two parts, the first part being the Pange lingua gloriosi corporis mysterium, and the second part being the Tantum ergo sacramentum. The hymn was first premiered on the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1264, during the Eucharistic procession in the streets of Liege, Belgium. The hymn quickly gained popularity and became a staple in the Catholic liturgy, especially during the Holy Week and Corpus Christi celebrations. The hymn is composed of six stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza begins with the words Pange lingua gloriosi corporis mysterium, which translates to "Sing, my tongue, the Savior's glory, of His flesh the mystery sing." The hymn goes on to describe the mystery of the Eucharist, where bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ. The second part of the hymn, Tantum ergo sacramentum, is often sung during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The words Tantum ergo sacramentum translate to "Therefore we, before Him bending, this great sacrament revere." The hymn goes on to describe the power and majesty of the Eucharist, and the need for reverence and adoration. The characteristics of Pange lingua gloriosi are typical of Gregorian Chant, with its simple melody and monophonic texture. The melody is based on the Dorian mode, which gives it a solemn and contemplative character. The hymn is often sung in unison, with no instrumental accompaniment, to emphasize the spiritual nature of the text. In conclusion, Pange lingua gloriosi is a hymn in mode 4 composed by Gregorian Chant, believed to have been composed by St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century for the Feast of Corpus Christi. The hymn is divided into two parts, the first part being the Pange lingua gloriosi corporis mysterium, and the second part being the Tantum ergo sacramentum. The hymn is characterized by its simple melody, monophonic texture, and solemn character, and has become a staple in the Catholic liturgy.

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