O quam dulcis (Jean Richafort)

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• (Posted 2019-03-16)  CPDL #53584:     

Editor: Andrew Fysh (submitted 2019-03-16).   Score information: A4, 7 pages   Copyright: CC BY SA

Edition notes: At original notated pitch, for SATB. Original note values are retained, except in the tripla section where note values are halved. Revised edition uploaded 01 November 2025.

General Information

Title: O quam dulcis (2.p. Ecce quam bonum)
Composer: Jean Richafort
Lyricist: Girolamo Savonarola

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Motet, Responsory for for the Feast of Many Martyrs

Language: Latin
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1534 in Motettorum, Book 2 (Pierre Attaingnant), no. 15
Description: The text of this motet is a combination of a Savonarolan prayer and the first verse of Psalm 132 (Vulgate), which was a motto of Savonarola and his followers. For editions of the latter part only, see Ecce quam bonum (Jean Richafort).

Original text and translations

Latin text O quam dulcis et quam beáta, [N], fratérnitas, O quam gratis et colénda christiánitas, O urbs [N], quam felix es méritis tantórum mártyrum ínclyta, qui per multa pœnárum génera hódie regna meruérunt cœléstia. Ecce quam bonum et iocúndum habitáre fratres in unum. Allelúia.

English translation O how sweet and how blessed, [N], is brotherly love, O how pleasing and to be worshipped is Christianity, O city [N], how happy you are to be renowned from the merits of such great martyrs, who, through many types of punishment, today have attained the heavenly kingdom. Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is: brethren to dwell together in unity. Alleluia.