Big Sing

This year’s Big Sing will be led by THL Siri Toivosdotter (JoniSyngs@gmail.com )

About the Piece

Quocumque loco fuero is a five-part sacred motet by Orlando di Lasso (Orlande de Lassus; Orlandus Lassus; Roland de Lassus; Roland Delattre; Orlando di Lassus) (1532-1594). His contemporaries were William Byrd, Tomás Luis de Victoria, and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (who turned 500 this year!).

He was popular in his day, and composed in a myriad of genres. Born in the Netherlands (now Belgium), he spent his youth in Italy as a sought-after chorister. He was widely travelled, known to have been in France, England, and Germany. He married Regina Wäckinger and together they had three children. He was knighted in 1571 and 1571 by Pope Gregory XIII and spent his latter years in Munich, Germany. He professed Catholicism, his compositions bore the influence of the Counter-Reformation (“Catholic Revival”) with clear text, emotive harmonies, and a more homophonic style.

His compositions include 90 German Leider, 150 French Chansons, 175 Italian Madrigals, and 530 Motets, one of which will be presented by you.

The text of this piece is by Bernard of Clairvaux, also known as Saint Bernard (1090-20 Aug 1153). Bernard led the revival of the Benedictine monasticism, recruited for the Second Crusade, and co-founded the Knights Templar in the 12th Century.

Born in Burgundy (France), third of seven children of the Lord of Fonataine-lès-Dijon and Alèthe de Montbard, both Burgundian nobility. Well-educated in the Catholic church, he prepared for a life in service and founded the house of Claire Vallée, or Clairvaux, in 1115 where he served as abbot. His notoriety was immense, and he eventually founded 63 abbeys. He was a Mariologist (proponent of the study of the Blessed Mother and her intercession), was influential in reconciling the great Schism, sent his monks to various European countries to found 163 monasteries, and is considered one of the greatest Cistercians.

His texts have been set to music by Medieval, Renaissance and Modern composers.

For the Performers

As you prepare for this Concert, your Latin pronunciation will be standard (no surprises), and your learning tracks are available. Please take the time to sing through your vocal part (Sopranos, please look at both 1 and 2) before you arrive. We will rehearse in the afternoon prior to the dinner hour.

Google Drive Link to the sheet music and practice mp3s.

Text and Translation