Jesu, dulcis memoria (by Gerald Near)

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from Saint Augustine’s Organbook by Gerald Near

Background

Jesu, Dulcis Memoria (Jesus the very thought is sweet) has an English translation by Mick Swithinbank and Jamie Reid Baxter.

Jesus, sweet remembrance,
Granting the heart its true joys,
But above honey and all things
Is His sweet presence.

Nothing more pleasing can be sung,
Nothing gladder can be heard
Nothing sweeter can be thought
Than Jesus, son of God.

Jesus, hope of the penitent,
How merciful you are to those who ask,
How good to those who seek,
But O, what you are to those who find!

Tongue has no power to describe
Nor writings to express
But only belief can know by experience
What it is to love Jesus.

Be our joy, O Jesus,
Who will be the prize we win,
May all our glory be in you, always
And through all ages.
Amen.

Jesus, sweetness of hearts,
fount of life and light of minds,
surpassing all joy,
and every need.
[1]

Registration and Organs

mp passages = Manuals - flutes 8' and 4'; Pedal - flue stops 16' and 8'[2] mf solo passages = Use a stop that is not too contrasting in color to the accompaniment. For instance, an 8' principal might sound better than a reed.[3]

Fingering and Pedaling

Replace this text with any specific information on fingering and pedaling

Articulation and Phrasing

"In performing two-voice passages wherein one part is comprised of repeated notes (pedal points) the performer should play the moving line as legato a manner as possible."[4]

Ornamentation

Ornamentation is written into Gregorian Chant. No additional ornamentation is required.

Tempo and Meter

No time signature is given, but it is grouped in measures of four beats each.

Quarter note = c. 44


See the notes concerning rhythm that are found in Background and General Perspectives, on the St. Augustine's Organbook page.

Scores and Editions

The Service Playing exam requires the use of Aureole Edition, AE 86, distributed by MorningStar Music.

Recordings

Buy an MP3 recording of James Jordan playing Jesu, dulcis memoria

Free Online

Hear a sample of Jesu,dulcis memoria.

Pay to Listen

Replace this text with any specific information on online recordings that are available for a fee

Other Resources

Replace this text with any information on other resources pertinent to performing this piece

Notes

  1. Choral Wiki http://www1.cpdl.org/wiki/index.php/Jesu_dulcis_memoria
  2. Near, Gerald. Performance Notes from Saint Augustine's Organbook: Ten Preludes on Gregorian Chant Melodies for Organ.
  3. Near, Gerald. Performance Notes from Saint Augustine's Organbook: Ten Preludes on Gregorian Chant Melodies for Organ.
  4. Near, Gerald. Performance Notes from Saint Augustine's Organbook: Ten Preludes on Gregorian Chant Melodies for Organ.

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