Virga Jesse floruit

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The Tree of Jesse, 17th c., as depicted in the Athos Protaton

Traditional medieval text, based on Isaiah:11, stating that Jesus belongs to David's lineage (Jesse being King David's father). In the Tridentine Rite it is assigned as the Alleluia verse for the Feast of the Annuciation when it falls in Eastertide instead of Lent. More commonly it is heard at [[[Votive Mass]]es.

The early E-flat version of J. S. Bach's *Magnificat BWV 243 has a fragmentary duet for soprano and bass, Virga Jesse floruit, Emanuel noster apparuit", unrelated but for the incipit.

Musical settings at CPDL

Texts and translations

Latin text

Virga Jesse floruit:
Virgo Deum et hominem genuit:
pacem Deus reddidit,
in se reconcilians ima summis.
Alleluja.

English translation <poem> The rod of Jesse hath blossomed: a Virgin hath brought forth God and man: God hath restored peace, reconciling in Himself the lowest with the highest. Alleluia.