Music and hymns
The musical transcription was done by Father Pietro M. Pennoni o.s.m., who confirmed “having transcribed without any changes the three songs he had heard.”
The three pieces remained unpublished until 1983. Sergio Calligaris, pianist and composer, then made an arrangement respecting the original themes. The following year Renzo Allegri, an Italian journalist and music critic, wrote a review[1] accompanied by a musical score and a record. "This article sparked immediate interest," notes Emilio Pisani[2] The publishing house’s phone rang continuously for an entire day. The last call, just before closing, came from the Presidential Palace of the Quirinal."
These recordings led to a 45 rpm record now impossible to find.
The Canticle of Saint Anne
The text
Anne, although barren and hopeless of having children, feels the first manifestations of Maternity. This is the future Virgin Mary.Glory to the Almighty Lord who loved the descendants of David. Glory to the Lord!From heaven, His supreme Grace visited me.
A new branch has sprung from the old tree, and I am happy.
For the Feast of Lights[3], hope has sown its seed;
The fragrant air of the month of Nisan[4] sees it sprout.
My flesh in spring resembles the almond tree in bloom.
At the evening of her life, she feels she carries her fruit.
This branch bears a rose, one of the sweetest fruits,
A star that shines, an innocent young life.
It is the joy of the home, of husband and wife.
Praise to God, my Lord, who showed mercy to me.
His light has announced it to me: "A star will come to you."
Glory, glory! To you will belong the fruit of this plant,
The first and the last, holy and pure as a gift from the Lord.
To you will it belong; may joy and peace come to earth through Him.
Fly, my shuttle. Your thread weaves the web of the child.
He is to be born! It is to God that, with joy, the song of my Heart rises.»
(EMV 4.1).
The music
The Canticle of Mary at the Temple
The text
The young Mary is about twelve years old. She is at the Temple, absorbed with sewing work.Like in a clear water mirror, a star,Deep inside my Heart, shines and reveals itself.
Since my childhood it has always been within me
And, with all sweetness, guides me with love.
It is a song deep in my Heart
But from where can it ever come?
Oh man, you do not know.
It comes from where the Holy One rests.
I look at my bright star
While refusing anything
Even if it were the sweetest and dearest.
Nothing for me but its gentle light that is all mine.
You carried me from the heights of Heaven, Star, into a motherly breast.
In me you live now, but beyond the veils,
I see you, glorious image of the Father.
When will you grant me the honor
To be the humble servant of the Savior?
Send from Heaven, send us the Messiah.
Receive, O Holy Father, the offering of Mary.
(EMV 10.1).
The music
The Virgin's Lullaby
The text
The scene is set in the house of Bethlehem (and no longer the manger) where the Holy Family has settled. The child Jesus has difficulty falling asleep, probably troubled by his teeth or other issues.
"Little golden clouds, which seem like the Lord’s flock.On the meadow full of flowers another flock is there watching.
But even if I had all the flocks on earth,
The little lamb that is dearest to me would always be You…
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep...
Do not cry anymore…
A thousand bright stars look down from heaven.
Do not make your sweet eyes weep anymore.
Your sapphire eyes are the stars of my Heart.
Your tears are its suffering, Oh, do not cry anymore.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep…
Do not cry anymore...
All the shining Angels, who are in Paradise,
Make a crown for you, the innocent one, to rejoice at your Face.
But you cry. You want your Mama, your mama, your mama, mama, my…
By your side to rock you. Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby, lu…
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep...
Do not cry anymore...
Then the sky will blush… it is the dawn that will return
And your Mama will not yet rest, so as not to make you cry.
Upon waking you will say: "Mama!", I will answer "My Son!",
And with my Kiss, it will be both love, life, and milk that I will give you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep...
Do not cry anymore...
You cannot stay without your mama, even if you dream of Heaven.
Come, come! Under my veil I will make you sleep,
With my breast as pillow, and my arms to rock you.
Fear nothing! I am here with You.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep...
Do not cry anymore...
I will always stay with you. You are the life of my Heart.
He sleeps... he looks like a flower placed on the breast...
He sleeps... Be gentle! Perhaps he sees the Holy Father...
This vision wipes away the tears… of my sweet Jesus...
He sleeps, sleeps, sleeps, sleeps…
He no longer cries..."
(EMV 33.2).
The music
- Listen in mp3.
- This lullaby has given rise to the contemporary interpretation below:
Notes and references
- ↑ In issue no. 6 of Gente dated 10 February 1984
- ↑ Emilio Pisani, Padre Pio and Maria Valtorta, p.50. :
- ↑ Salton J Aulagnier, the Feast of Lights, or Encénies, took place at the time of Jesus, during the full moon following the Dedication feast (Hanukkah). This was on 25 Kislev (i.e., 10 December -22 for that period). The conception of Mary took place on the following full moon, 20 December -22. This corresponds to the event that the Church celebrates on 8 December. Mary of Agreda notes that this conception took place on a Sunday (The Mystical City of God – Book 1, Chapter 15, § 218)
- ↑ Nisan: March -21, i.e. 3 months to definitively announce to Joachim the expectation of a baby.