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The three pieces remained unpublished until 1983.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 had love for the children of David. Glory to the Lord!His supreme grace has visited me from Heaven
The old tree has borne a new branch and I am blessed.
At the Feast of Lights[3] hope scattered the seed;
Now the fragrance of Nisan[4] sees it germinating.
Like an almond-tree my flesh is adorned with flowers in spring.
In the evening she perceives she is bearing her fruit.
On that branch there is a rose, there is a most sweet apple.
There is a bright star, an innocent little child.
There is the joy of the house, of the husband and wife.
Praise be to God, to my Lord, Who had mercy on me.
His light said to me: “A star will come to you.”
Glory, glory! Yours shall be the fruit of this tree.
The first and last, holy and pure as a gift of the Lord.
Yours it shall be and may joy and peace come upon the earth.
Fly, spool. Fasten the yarn for the infant’s cloth.
The infant is about to be born. May the song of my heart rise to God singing hosannas.»[5]
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 a star in clear watera light is shining within My heart.
It has been with Me since My childhood
and it guides Me tenderly with love.
In the depths of My heart there is a song.
Where does it come from?
Man, you do not know.
It comes from where the Holy One rests.
I look at My clear star
And I do not want anything,
Not even the sweetest and dearest thing,
Except this sweet light that is all Mine.
You brought Me down from the Heavens above,
O star of Mine, into the womb of a mother,
Now You live in Me, but beyond the veil
I see Your glorious face, Father.
When will You grant Your servant the honour
Of being the humble maid of the Saviour?
Send us the Messiah from Heaven,
Accept, Holy Father, the offer of Mary.»[6]
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 — seem the herds of the LordOn the meadow full of flowers — another herd is watching.
But if I had all the herds — that exist in the world,
The lambkin dearest to Me — You would always be.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep,
Cry no more…
Many glittering stars — are twinkling in the sky.
May Your sweet gentle eyes — shed no more tears.
Your eyes of sapphire — are the stars of My heart.
Your tears make Me cry — oh! cry no more.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep,
Cry no more…
All the sparkling angels — that are in Heaven,
Form a wreath around You, innocent Child — enraptured by Your face.
But You’re crying for Your Mummy — Mummy, Mummy, Mum.
To sing Your lullaby — lulla, lulla, lu.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep,
Cry no more…
The sky will soon be pink — and dawn will soon be back,
And Mummy had no rest — to ensure You do not cry.
“Mamma” when awake You’ll call Me — “Son” I will reply.
A kiss of love and life — I’ll give you with My breast.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep,
Cry no more…
You do need Your Mummy — also if You dream of Heaven.
Come, do come! Under My veil — I will make You sleep.
My breast is Your pillow — Your cradle My arms,
Do not fear, My dear — I’m here with You…
Sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep,
Cry no more…
I’ll always be with You — You’re the life of My heart…
He is sleeping… like a flower — Resting on My breast…
He is sleeping… Be quiet! — His Father perhaps He sees,
And the sight wipes the tears — Of my sweet Jesus.
He Sleeps, sleeps, sleeps, sleeps,
And He cries no more…»[7]
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. :
- ↑ According to 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.
- ↑ GRM 4.1.
- ↑ GRM 10.1.
- ↑ GRM 33.2.