Mozarab musicians from a Beatus of Liébana manuscript from the first half of the tenth century. (Source)
Hear us, O Lord, have mercy upon us: for we have sinn’d against thee
The Lent Prose – number 507 in our New English Hymnal – is usually sung after Communion during Lent at All Saints.
This moving piece derives from a hymn composed in the 10th century by Mozarabs, Iberian Christians living under Islamic rule in Andalusia.
It can be tricky to sing at first attempt, but patience is greatly rewarded.
The English-language version above (which peters out at the end, unfortunately) is by the choir of the Church of St Martin in Roath, in the Church of Wales. The words are available on the ChantBlog website.
This version is from a recorded BBC Radio Choral Evensong from Hereford Cathedral, broadcast on 5 March 1982 …
The two Latin versions below are very different. First, Gregorian chant from the monks and choir boys of Downside Abbey in Somerset. Second, a version in harmony from St Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church in Chicago (followed by other material).
Practise and enjoy!
