Item Number: CF.CM9610
ISBN 9781491154328. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: Db major, a major, bb major. Latin, English. Traditional Latin.
The primary text of this piece (Lux in tenebris lucet) translates to the light that shines in the darkness. Originating from a verse in the Bible (John 1:5), this phrase has been used for centuries as the motto for numerous organizations and schools. In this piece, the meaning of the text is reinforced musically by the soft, driving piano accompaniment in Bb minor and the hushed but confident vocal line. As the text changes to lucem sequio (we follow the light), the music shifts suddenly from minor to major and the voice parts break into individual entrances, creating an explosion of polyphony. Yet it is not enough just to follow the light; we must also let our own light shine forth. That is why after a surprising modulation to A major, the women begin singing let your light shine while the men repeat lucem. The men eventually join with the women, leading to a return of the main, major-key theme and concluding with the positive affirmation that we will follow the light. Translation and Pronunciation: Lux in tenebris lucet - The light that shines in the darkness loox een TEH-neh-brees lucem sequio - We follow the light LOO-chem seh-KOOEE-aw |
