Te Deum, also sometimes called the Ambrosian Hymn because
of its association with St. Ambrose, is a traditional hymn of joy and thanksgiving.
First attributed to Sts. Ambrose, Augustine, or Hilary, it is now accredited
to Nicetas, the fourth century Bishop of Remesiana.
Verdi opens the work with the men of the choir in a quotation of the
original Gregorian chant, and proceeds to take us on an expressive excursion
through the sequence of prayers and celebrations that comprise the poetry.
Near the works end, a solo soprano intones the powerful affirmation of
faith-- "In te, Domine, speravi," described by Verdi as "the voice of humanity
in fear of hell," and is joined by the community of singers in fervent,
final cry.
Te Deum laudamus:
te Dominum confitemur. Te æternum Patrem omnis terra veneratur. Tibi omnes Angeli, tibi coeli
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus,
Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus,
Te per orbem terrarum
Tu Rex gloriæ, Christe.
Tu, devicto mortis aculeo,
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes,
Te ergo quæsumus,
Æterna fac cum Sanctis tuis
Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine,
Per singulos dies benedicimus te,
Dignare, Domine, die isto
Fiat misericordia tua, Domine,
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We praise thee, God,
we confess thee as our Lord. All the earth worships thee as eternal Father. All the Angels, all heavenly
Thrice holy
The mighty chorus of Apostles,
Over all the earth
Thou art King of glory, Christ.
Thou, having conquered death's sting,
Thou sittest at God's right hand,
We pray to thee therefore
Number us among thy Saints
Save thine own people, Lord,
Every day we bless thee,
Vouchsafe, Lord, this day
Let thy mercy shine, Lord,
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