Plangite Pierides (Benedictus Appenzeller)

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• (Posted 2023-05-14)  CPDL #73779:     

Editor: Mick Swithinbank (submitted 2023-05-14).   Score information: A4, 7 pages, 73 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Transposed up a minor third.

General Information

Title: Plangite Pierides
Composer: Benedictus Appenzeller
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 5vv   Voicing: STTTB
Genre: Secular, Lament

Language: Latin
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1532
    2nd published: 1538 in Tertius liber mottetorum ad quinque et sex voces (Jacques Moderne), no. 22
    3rd published: 1540 in Selectissimae necnon familiarissimae cantiones (Salminger), no. 8
Description: Published by Jacques Moderne, Lyon, 1532. Lament on the death of Erasmus (12 July 1536), based on a cantus firmus "Cecidit corona capitis".

Original text and translations

Latin text Plangite, Pierides, dulcique Helicone relicto, Plangite doctiloqui funera acerba viri. Artes cui dederat cunctas ter magnus Apollo, Contentus vestro delicuisse choro. Flete decus vestrum neglectaque carmina cessent. Et iaceat pullo musica moesta solo. Belgica patroni deploret funus Erasmi. Plangite castali vos quoque fata viri. Cantus firmus: Cecidit corona capitis nostri.

English translation Muses, lament, and leave the pleasant Helicon, Mourn the bitter fate of this learned and eloquent man. Mighty Apollo endued him with every talent: happy he was to join your chorus. Lament this ornament of yours and let all frivolous songs cease. Only sad and mournful music should now be heard. Let the Low Countries bewail the death of their guide and mentor Erasmus. You too should mourn for this man so fine of feeling. Cantus firmus: The crown has fallen from our head.