Vocal score available at https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/in-memory/20141067

Responsory for the first Nocturn at Matins on Christmas Eve, found in a manuscript from the Abbaye de Fleury, dated c. 1170. Sheet music can be found at http://oestrem.com/thingstwice/2013/12/reno-erat-rudolphus/ 

The full text reads:

Reno erat Rudolphus
Nasum rubrum habebat; 
Si quando hunc videbas, 
Hunc candere tu dicas. 

Omnes tarandri alii 
Semper hunc deridebant; 
Cum misero Rudolpho 
In ludis non ludebant. 

V. Sanctus Nicholas dixit
Nocte nebulae, 
“Rudolphe, naso claro 
Nonne carum tu duces?” 

Tum renores clamabant, 
“Rudolphe, delectus es? 
Cum naso rubro claro 
Historia descendes!” 

Alleluia.

Reno erat Rudolphus

J.S. Bach - Suite For Solo Cello No. 1 In G Major - Prelude

In Memory sets the poem "In Memory of Anyone Unknown to Me" by the English poet Elizabeth Jennings (1926-2001) for choir with piano. It speaks of grieving for all those who have died whether known to the speaker or not. Too often these days we hear of senseless deaths in the news.This title is to honor the dignity of every human life and dedicated to each person who has passed on, whatever the reason.

In Memory Of Anyone Unknown To Me
 
At this particular time I have no one
Particular person to grieve for, though there must
Be many, many unknown ones going to dust
Slowly, not remembered for what they have done
Or left undone. For these, then, I will grieve
Being impartial, unable to deceive.
 
How they lived, or died, is quite unknown,
And, by that fact gives my grief purity—
An important person quite apart from me
Or one obscure who drifted down alone.
Both or all I remember, have a place.
For these I never encountered face to face.

 
Sentiment will creep in. I cast it out
Wishing to give these classical repose,
No epitaph, no poppy and no rose
From me, and certainly no wish to learn about
The way they lived or died. In earth or fire
They are gone. Simply because they were human, I admire.

In Memory NYVS 2019 - 04 - 13

Just uncovered! A Juilliard undergraduate recording that is very much worth a listen. Enjoy. More information on the recording and current work of musicians available upon request.

In Memory NYVS 2019 - 04 - 13

Elizabeth Skola Davis

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Elizabeth Skola Davis

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