This popular Hymn dates back to the Middle Ages composed by the German monk Hermann of Reichenau. It has been sung as part of the Daily Office since the 13th Century, with a text dating back to as far as the 11th Century.
This setting juxtaposes a mournful polyphonic motive and a solemn hymn-like refrain that gradually builds in intensity. This work reveals different sides of an earnest cry for help from beyond: the complexity of personal confusion, the simplicity of being pushed beyond one’e own means, and the urgency that increases when the help is not apparent.
Salve, Regina, Mater misericordiæ,
vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevæ,
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos
misericordes oculos ad nos converte;
Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.
vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevæ,
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos
misericordes oculos ad nos converte;
Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.
To you do we cry, poor banished children.
Quickly see us in our need become our advocate
Turn your eyes toward us
Turn your eyes toward us
To you do we sigh, groaning and weeping
In the valley of tears
Show is the fruit of your womb
After this exile
Quickly see us in our need become our advocate
Turn your eyes toward us
O merciful, O pious, O sweet one
To you do we cry
After this exile
Quickly see us in our need become our advocate
Turn your eyes toward us
O merciful, O pious, O sweet one
To you do we cry
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