Nigra sum sed formosa (Leone Leoni)
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CPDL #26998: 
- Editor: Christopher Shaw (submitted 2012-08-27). Score information: A4, 6 pages, 94 kB Copyright: Personal
- Edition notes: Please click on the link for preview/playback/PDF download.
General Information
Title: Nigra sum sed formosa
Composer: Leone Leoni
Number of voices: 8vv Voicing: SAATTTBB
Genre: Sacred, Motet
Language: Latin
Instruments: a cappella
Published: 1613
Lyrics: Song of Solomon, ch.1 v.4; ch.2 v.14
Description: One of a collection of settings from the Song of Solomon from Promptuarii musici (vol. 3), 1613.
External websites:
Original text and translations
Latin text
Nigra sum sed formosa filiae Hierusalem,
ideo dilexit me rex, et introduxit me in cubiculum suum,
et dixit mihi: Surge, surge amica mea et veni,
ostende mihi faciem tuam, sonet vox tua in auribus meis,
vox enim tua dulcis, et facies tua decora.
English translation
I am black but comely, O daughters of Jerusalem,
therefore have I pleased the Lord, and he hath brought me into his chamber,
and hath said unto me: Arise my love, my fair one, and come away,
let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice,
for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance comely.