About the Work

Tantum Ergo was premiered by the choir of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, conducted by David Sinden, Director of Music.  This piece was composed in August of 2021, as choirs were returning to in-person singing after many long months of silence during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is scored for SATB or SA voices, accompanied by organ and a descant. 

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Text

Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Præstet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.

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Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et Jubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen.

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Translation

Hence so greatly the Sacrament

Let us venerate with heads bowed 

And let the old practice 

Give way to the new rite;

Let faith provide a supplement

For the failure of the senses.

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To the Begetter and the Begotten 

Be praise and jubilation,

Hail, honor, virtue also,

And blessing too:

To the One proceeding from Both

Let there be equal praise.