This edition was prepared by Sabine Cassola — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Al Naharot Bavel - By the rivers of Babylon
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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3 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Al Naharot Bavel - By the rivers of Babylon by Salamone Rossi — Lyrics
Psalmus David, Jeremiae. Super flumina Babylonis illic sedimus et flevimus, dum recordaremur Sion.
In salicibus in medio ejus suspendimus organa nostra:
quia illic interrogaverunt nos, qui captivos duxerunt nos, verba cantionum; et qui abduxerunt nos: Hymnum cantate nobis de canticis Sion.
Quomodo cantabimus canticum Domini in terra aliena?
Si oblitus fuero tui, Jerusalem, oblivioni detur dextera mea.
Adhaereat lingua mea faucibus meis, si non meminero tui; si non proposuero Jerusalem in principio laetitiae meae.
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About Al Naharot Bavel - By the rivers of Babylon
Salamone Rossi’s Al Naharot Bavel presents a profound musical meditation on the Babylonian captivity of the Israelites. The text, drawn from Psalm 137, eloquently expresses the sorrow and longing of the exiles, captured in both Latin and Hebrew. Rossi’s setting, scored for ATTB and SATB voices, utilizes the polyphonic textures characteristic of the period to underscore the emotional weight of the psalm. The composer skillfully contrasts moments of deep lamentation with impassioned pleas for remembrance and retribution, creating a powerful and evocative musical narrative. This motet stands as a significant example of sacred music from the early Baroque, showcasing Rossi's mastery in weaving together textual poignancy and sophisticated vocal writing.
