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Edition notes: An English translation of Sophia Nasci Fertur - O Quam Pulchra Racio - Magi Videntes Stellam, a 3vv polytext setting from the Codex Speciálník.
General Information
Title:Sophia Nasci Fertur - O Quam Pulchra Racio - Magi Videntes Stellam (Wisdom Is Born - Oh, What a Beautiful Reason - The Magi) Composer:Anonymous
Number of voices: 3vv Voicing:TTB, homophonic polytext Genre:Sacred, Motet
TRIPLUM Sophia nasci fertur
singula cuidam
obtulere mistica
fruencia
in laude pariter
Caspar mirram donavit,
thus Melchior comparavit,
Balthasar aurum
tria munialia voluntavit
ovantes cuius gracia
tres magi divinum
adoravere
per Mariam virginem.
DUPLUM
O quam pulchra racio
pastores mox videbant
que de celi palacio signa
apparebant
per Mariam virginem.
TENOR
Magi videntes stellam
dixerunt ad invicem:
'Hoc signum magni regis est
eamus et inquiramus eum
et offeramus ei munera.'
English translation
TRIPLUM
(It is said that) wisdom is born
unto each singular person
to offer mystic
blessings
in equal parts:
Caspar brought myrrh,
Melchior gave frankincense,
Balthasar chose gold
as the third kingly gift.
Joyously, in His grace,
the three magi
adored the holy child,
thanks to Virgin Mary.
DUPLUM
Oh, what a beautiful reason
the shepherds saw,
whose signs in heaven
appeared,
thanks to Virgin Mary.
TENOR
The magi, having seen the star,
said, each in turn:
"This is the sign of a great king!"
"Let us go and seek him out!"
"And offer gifts to him!"
Note: These translations were executed for the purposes of fitting the existing musical structure. They are not intended as "pure" or literal translations.