Rosa Celeste: Dante and Beatrice gaze upon the highest Heaven, The Empyrean
Artist: Gustave Doré
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Today we remember the contributions of three English composers: William Byrd, Thomas Merbecke, and Thomas Tallis. Tallis holds a special place in my musical heart. He makes me hear the angels.
Spem in alium
I have never put my hope in any other
but in You,
O God of Israel
who can show both anger and graciousness,
and who absolves all the sins of suffering man
Lord God, Creator of Heaven and Earth
be mindful of our lowliness
O God most glorious, whose praises art sung night and day by thy saints and angels in heaven: We offer thanks for William Byrd, John Merbecke and Thomas Tallis, whose music hath enriched the praise that thy Church offers thee here on earth. Grant, we pray thee, to all who are touched by the power of music such glimpses of eternity that we may be made ready to join thy saints in heaven and behold thy glory unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who livest and reignest with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Always interesting to see how visual artists interpret poetry and scripture – and vice versa, as far as that goes!