Arnesen, Kim André - Virgo virginum (SSA & Piano or Organ)

for upper voices (SSA) & piano or organ
Text: Latin (Unknown, 13th-Century)
Duration: c4 minutes
Difficulty: 2/5

In Kim André Arnesen’s Stabat Mater, which uses the Stabat mater dolorosa text, the sixth movement ‘Virgo virginum’ is musically one of the more hopeful movements. For a standalone version, the composer felt that a new text would be appropriate and was excited to find the mirror image text with the same structure, Stabat Mater speciosa. Here, Mother Mary is not in pain by the Cross, but in joy at the birth of her Son. Arnesen’s signature attractive melody floats over a flowing triple-time accompaniment, by itself initially, and the joined later by accompanying harmonies from the other upper voices. A pleasing, gentle piece suitable for Christmas time or general use.

Text
Virgo virginum præclara,
Mihi jam non sis amara,
Fac me parvum rapere.

Fac, ut portem pulchrum fortem,
Qui nascendo vicit mortem,
Volens vitam tradere.

Fac me tecum satiari,
Nato tuo inebriari,
Stans inter tripudia.

Unknown author, 13th-Century

Virgin of all virgins highest,
Prayer to thee thou ne’er denyest,
Let me bear thy sweet Child too.

Let me show forth how immense is
The effect on all my senses
Of an union so divine.

trans Denis Florence MacCarthy (1817–82)

Kim André Arnesen
Arnesen is one of the most frequently performed composers from Norway today. He grew up in Trondheim where he was a chorister in Nidaros Cathedral, later being educated at the Music Conservatory in Trondheim. With an interest in baroque music, contemporary classical music, and popular music, Kim could have taken many roads, but choral music became his greatest passion. His works have been performed in more than 30 countries around the world. His albums Magnificat (2014) and Infinity (2018) received excellent reviews and reached the top of the iTunes classical charts. He continues to enjoy a busy international schedule of commissions as well as guest appearances at festivals and other choral events. Arnesen has been a house composer at Boosey & Hawkes since 2017.