Nigra sum sed formosa (Jacob Handl)

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• (Posted 2025-09-03)  CPDL #86650:     

Editor: Drew Sellis (submitted 2025-09-03).   Score information: A4, 4 pages, 154 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Note values halved, written pitch retained.

General Information

Title: Nigra sum sed formosa
Composer: Jacob Handl
Text: Song of Songs 1:4-5a
Number of voices: 5vv   Voicing: SATTB
Genre: Sacred, Motet

Language: Latin
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1590 in Opus musicum (Jacob Handl), Volume 4, no. 74
Description: Motet for Marian feasts.

Original text and translations

Original text and translations may be found at Nigra sum sed formosa.

Latin text Nigra sum sed formosa filiae Jerusalem, sicut tabernacula Cedar, sicut pelles Salomonis. Nolite me considerare quod fusca sim, quia decoloravit me sol.

English translation I am black but beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Cedar, like the curtains of Solomon. Do not think that I am dark, for the sun has changed my colour.