Tantum Ergo from Two Motets (Op. 65, No. 2). Areté Singers. Leandra Ramm, Conductor

Areté Singers presents Tantum Ergo from Two Motets (Op. 65, No. 2).. Laurena Alm, Soprano; Stephanie Collins, Soprano 2; Kathryn Schumacher, Alto. Luke Mayernik, Organ.
Gabriel Fauré's Op. 65 consists of two motets: Ave Verum and Tantum Ergo. These motets are significant works within Fauré's choral repertoire. Tantum Ergo is another Latin hymn often used during Eucharistic Adoration and it is divided into three stanzas. The first stanza praises the sacrament, the second stanza asks for mercy, and the third stanza proclaims the divinity of Christ. Fauré's setting of Tantum Ergo displays his skill in creating beautiful choral textures and harmonic progressions. It captures the solemnity and reverence of the text, making it a significant addition to Fauré's choral repertoire. Fauré’s setting is characterized by its simple and elegant melody, its lush harmonies, and its expressive use of the organ. The melody is based on a Gregorian chant, and it is set in a simple ternary form. The harmonies are rich and sonorous, and they create a sense of awe and reverence. The organ is used to great effect, providing a backdrop of rich sound, and adding dramatic emphasis to the text. Tantum ergo is a beautiful and moving setting of a beloved hymn.
Tantum ergo sacramentum
Veneremur cernui,
et antiquum documentum
novo cedat ritui.
Præstet fides supplementum
sensuum defectui.
Genitori genitoque
laus et jubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
sit et benedictio!
Procedenti ab utroque
compar sit laudatio!
Amen.
St. Thomas Aquinas (1227-1274)
Therefore, so greatly the Sacrament
Let us venerate with heads bowed [cernui]
And let the old practice [documentum]
Give way to the new rite;
Let faith provide a supplement
For the failure of the senses.
To the Begetter and the Begotten [both masculine gender],
Be praise and jubilation,
Hail,honour, virtue also,
And blessing too:
To the One proceeding from Both
Let there be equal praise.
Amen.
Soprano
Barbara Edwards
Christine Dukey
Donna Edwards Weber
Irene Cheng
Kassidy Mayernik
Kim Baxter
Laurena Alm
Stephanie Collins
Alto
Bridget Ahearn
Claudine Jones
Gail Kiyomura
Kathryn Schumacher
Leandra Ramm
Nicole Schach
Ruth Chang
Countertenor
Asher Davison*
Ben Rudiak-Gould*
James Donnelly*
Jeffrey Neidleman*
Josh Susic*
Telfer Pollard*
Timothy Echavez Salaver*
Videographer: Willem van Asten
Audio Engineering: Jim Hawthorne, www.jimhawthorne.net/