The TUNE, "Nunc Dimittis", is probably a Latin Plainchant, early utilized by we Lutherans, and afterward adopted to Genevan Calvinist Psalm Meter by the French Huguenot composers you cite. Those Huguenot composers were not shy to borrow Lutheran adaptations of older plainchant tunes, and modify them to their preferences. Some Lutherans & Calvinists may be shocked to learn their melodies are actually Latin plainchant!
Both the Byzantine chant & Latin chant, may come from an ancient Jewish chant.
Thanks for saying so... Like I said, there's no clear line of descent for either melody or text, since the intention of mine was try and mine the oldest example of this piece. Problem came to be that there are lots of "Probablies" as to melodic transmission, so I opted for the most melodic and memorable, with a strong "probably" of it's own.
"Phos Hilaron", or, "O Gladsome Light" -- is one of the most ancient hymns in Christ's Holy Catholic Church, after Biblical Canticles. Dating from at least the 2nd century, this Greek "candle lighting hymn" was especially appropriate to the Eve of Easter & every Sunday. It may have even been originally a Jewish Christian hymn for Sabbath Eves....
Thus the LYRIC is hardly "Roman", but quite "Catholic" as we Lutherans define!
After downloading and listening to it a few times, I feel it makes a better "closing benediction" than an opening theme. So please don't be disappointed if I close my videos with Oh Gladsome Light as a Praise to God, through your contribution. God Bless You
The TUNE, "Nunc Dimittis", is probably a Latin Plainchant, early utilized by we Lutherans, and afterward adopted to Genevan Calvinist Psalm Meter by the French Huguenot composers you cite. Those Huguenot composers were not shy to borrow Lutheran adaptations of older plainchant tunes, and modify them to their preferences. Some Lutherans & Calvinists may be shocked to learn their melodies are actually Latin plainchant!
Both the Byzantine chant & Latin chant, may come from an ancient Jewish chant.
USAsoldier1955 2 years ago
Thanks for saying so... Like I said, there's no clear line of descent for either melody or text, since the intention of mine was try and mine the oldest example of this piece. Problem came to be that there are lots of "Probablies" as to melodic transmission, so I opted for the most melodic and memorable, with a strong "probably" of it's own.
Again, thanks for sharing.
waltherchemnitz 2 years ago
Thanks, Matthew for this GREAT offering! :)
"Phos Hilaron", or, "O Gladsome Light" -- is one of the most ancient hymns in Christ's Holy Catholic Church, after Biblical Canticles. Dating from at least the 2nd century, this Greek "candle lighting hymn" was especially appropriate to the Eve of Easter & every Sunday. It may have even been originally a Jewish Christian hymn for Sabbath Eves....
Thus the LYRIC is hardly "Roman", but quite "Catholic" as we Lutherans define!
But the TUNE....
USAsoldier1955 2 years ago
After downloading and listening to it a few times, I feel it makes a better "closing benediction" than an opening theme. So please don't be disappointed if I close my videos with Oh Gladsome Light as a Praise to God, through your contribution. God Bless You
holyground4u 2 years ago