Hymnus Cherubicus

Instrumentation: String Orchestra
Duration: 8 minutes
Recording Available: No
Performed: Yes
Catalog ID: RE1049
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Hymnus Cherubicus for string orchestra began as a choral work, but at the encouragement from a dear colleague, I transcribed this work for string orchestra.

The text of the motet, Hymnus Cherubicus, has a long history in the church as well as in concert settings. It has been set by composers such as Tchaikovsky, Ippoloitov-Ivanov, Bortniansky, and Grechaninov. Generally associated with eastern orthodox liturgies, The Cherubic Hymn is sung at the pivotal moment in the Divine Liturgy in Orthodox Churches. It represents the blending of the worship of the Earthly Church with the Heavenly worship as described in the biblical book of The Revelation of St. John. The text also exists in the Roman Catholic tradition as part of the feast of St. Dennis. This composition is written for and dedicated to the Lewis University Choir.

Qui Cherubim mystice imitamur
et vivificae Trinitatis ter sanctum
hymnus offerimus,
omnem nunc mundanam
deponamus sollicitudinem
sicuti regem omnium
suscepturi cui ab angelicis
invisibiliter
ministratur ordinibus,
alleluia



Translation by Dr. Lawrence T. Sisk
Let us, who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing to the Life-giving Trinity the thrice holy hymn, put away all earthly cares so as to receive the King of all things escorted by the army of angels. Alleluia.