Alleluia piis edite laudibus
Alleluia piis edite laudibus (Alleluia to the pious praises), also known as Alleluia perenne (Alleluia forever), is a medieval Latin hymn sung during the week before Septuagesima as a preparation for the dismissal of "Alleluia" during Lent.
History[edit]
The hymn originates in the Mozarabic rite.[1] The words are found in the Mozarabic Breviary, in which it is said to be an office hymn for first vespers, second vespers, and lauds on the first Sunday in Lent and the Saturday preceding.[2] John Julian, in A Dictionary of Hymnology, notes that the hymn cannot be dated to later than the 8th century, at which time hymns were no longer admitted.[2] John Mason Neale, in Mediæval Hymns and Sequences, notes that theme of the hymn, that "Alleluia" is perpetually sung in heaven, is echoed in the capitula, the benediction, and the lauda of the liturgy for the day.[1]
The hymn was translated into English as Sing Alleluia forth in duteous praise by John Ellerton.[3]
Melody[edit]
Various melodies are currently in use. Hymn tunes include Alleluia perenne by William Henry Monk,[3] Endless Alleluia by Joseph Barnby,[3] Martins by Percy Carter Buck,[3] and Piepkorn by Robert Buckley Farlee.[3]
Lyrics[edit]
The hymn establishes the perpetuity of the alleluia in heaven, underscoring the hope of its gladsome return, and the security that there the Church never ceases to sing "Alleluia" throughout the year.[1] It is in contrast with the hymn Alleluia, dulce carmen, which acknowledges that the "Alleluia" is sung perpetually in heaven, yet laments that during our earthly exile, we must put away the "Alleluia" for a time, as we repent of our sins during the season of Lent.[1]
Here is the lyric translation by English church musician William Henry Monk:
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Alleluia piis edite laudibus,
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Sing Alleluia forth in duteous praise,
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References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Neale, J.M. (1863). Mediæval hymns and sequences.
- ^ a b Julian, John (1892). A Dictionary of Hymnology: Setting Forth the Origin and History of Christian Hymns of All Ages and Nations, with Special Reference to Those Contained in the Hymn Books of English-speaking Countries, and Now in Common Use, Together with Biographical and Critical Notices of Their Authors and Translators, and Historical Articles on National and Denominational Hymnody, Breviaries, Missals, Primers, Psalters, Sequences. C. Scribner's Sons. p. 48.
- ^ a b c d e "Sing Alleluia forth in duteous praise". Hymnary.