Text: Matthew 26:39, 41
Language: Latin
Use: Lent
Ensemble: SATB
Accompaniment: a cappella
Genre: General Sacred
Duration: 3 minutes
Page Count: 4
Catalog Number: NWC-193
Available from J. W. Pepper.
The ancient latin text from the Tenebrae service for Maundy Thursday is set here with music evoking the emotion of Christ's prayer anticipating the trial and suffering of Good Friday: "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak: Your will be done." Nancy Wertsch's harmonies express the anguish and sorrow of Christ, use abrupt dynamic changes for emotional affect, settling into resignation and acceptance.
Text:
In monte Oliveti ad patrem oravit:
Pater si fieri potest transeat a me calix iste.
Spiritus quidem promptus est caro autem infirma.
Vigilate et orate, ut non intretis in tentationem.
On Mount Olivet he prayed to the Father:
Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me.
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak: Your will be done.
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.