Edition notes: Although the source is not written for double choir this score's layout is made for two separate choirs. This piece is written for a choir that usually perfoms from the choir stalls and therefore has a double choir line-up. Many sections of this motet also suggest a double choir performance. Last revised: 2011-11-30.
Isaiah 40, vi-xi
Vox dicentis: Clama: et dixi: Quid clamabo?
Omnis caro foenum,
et omnis gloria eius quasi flos agri.
Vere foenum est populus.
Exsiccatum est foenum, et cecidit flos:
verbum autem Domini nostri manet in aeternum.
Super montem excelsum ascende tu, qui evangelizas Sion:
exalta in fortitudine vocem tuam, qui evangelizas Jerusalem:
exalta, noli timere.
Dic civitatibus Judae: Ecce Deus vester.
Ecce Dominus Deus in fortitudine veniet,
et brachium eius dominabitur:
ecce merces eius cum eo,
et opus illius coram illo.
Sicut pastor gregem suum pascet,
in brachio suo congregabit agnos,
et in sinu suo levabit,
foetas ipse portabit.
English translation
A voice of one saying, "Cry!" And I said, "What shall I cry?"
All flesh is grass,
and all its beauty is as the flower of the field.
Truly the people is grass.
The grass has withered, and the flower has fallen;
but the word of our Lord stands forever.
Get you up a high mountain, Zion teller of good news;
lift up your voice in strength, Jerusalem teller of good news:
lift it up, fear not;
Say unto the cities of Judah: "Behold your God!"
Behold, the Lord God shall come with might,
and His arm shall rule;
Behold, His reward is with Him,
and His work before Him.
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd,
and shall gather the lambs in His arm,
and lift them to his bosom
and himself carry those that are with young.
Note: the Latin could also mean "O teller of good news to Zion", and the same for Jerusalem. Both interpretations are found in English Bible translations