O Virgo Virginum (Pierre de Manchicourt)

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• (Posted 2019-11-17)  CPDL #55938:     

Editor: Andrew Fysh (submitted 2019-11-17).   Score information: A4, 12 pages, 404 kB   Copyright: CC BY SA

Edition notes: At original notated pitch (for SAATTB). Original note values retained. Transcribed and edited from the only surviving source, listed below, including correction of an error as noted herein. Revised edition uploaded 28 November 2025.

• (Posted 2017-03-03)  CPDL #43402:     

Editor: Mick Swithinbank (submitted 2017-03-03).   Score information: A4, 13 pages, 114 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: This edition is based on the edition by Arnaud Saint-Antonin, with a few changes of ficta (although incorporated in the score rather than being indicated as editorial) and many changes of underlay. It is also pitched a tone lower than the Saint-Antonin edition.

• (Posted 2015-09-06)  CPDL #36701:       

Editor: Arnaud Saint-Antonin (submitted 2015-09-06).   Score information: A4, 12 pages, 125 kB   Copyright: CC BY NC

Edition notes: This work was requested by a CPDL member (see here)

General Information

Title: O Virgo Virginum
Composer: Pierre de Manchicourt

Number of voices: 6vv   Voicing: SAATTB
Genre: Sacred, Magnificat antiphon, Motet for Advent — specifically, for the Feast of the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (18 December) or on the last day of Advent (23 December)

Language: Latin
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1534 in Motettorum, Book 7 (Pierre Attaingnant), no. 18
Description: Manchicourt uses the plainchant of the antiphon, in slightly modified form, as a cantus firmus in canon between Secundus Contratenor and Primus Tenor.

External websites:

• O Virgo Virginum (Pierre de Manchicourt) at the Petrucci Music Library (IMSLP)

Original text and translations

Original text and translations may be found at O Virgo virginum.

Latin text O Virgo Virginum quomodo fiet istud quia nec primam similem visa est nec habere sequentem filiae Hierusalem quid me admiramini divinum est mysterium hoc quod cernitis.

French text Ô Vierge des vierges Comment est-il possible que tu apparaisses comme nulle autre avant toi ni comme nulle autre après toi ? Filles de Jérusalem, pourquoi me regardez-vous ? C'est un mystère divin qu'ici vous contemplez.