This edition was prepared by Pothárn Imre — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Audi tellus
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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Audi tellus by Orlando di Lasso — Lyrics
Audi tellus, audi magni maris limbus,
audi omne quod vivit sub sole:
hujus mundi decus et gloria
quam sint falsa et transitoria,
ut testantur haec temporalia
non in uno statu manentia.
Nulli valet regalis dignitas,
nulli valet corporis quantitas,
nulli artium valet profunditas,
nulli magnae valent divitiae,
nullum salvat genus aut species,
nulli prodest auri congeries.
Transierunt rerum materies
ut a sole liquescit glacies.
Ubi Plato? Ubi Porphirius?
Ubi Tullius aut Vergilius?
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About Audi tellus
Orlando di Lasso’s motet Audi tellus, for SAATTB, immediately establishes a rich, complex soundworld with its six distinct vocal parts. The text, sung in Latin, reflects on the vanity of worldly possessions and fame, questioning the ultimate worth of earthly power, beauty, and intellect. It draws parallels between transient earthly glories and the melting of ice in the sun, powerfully illustrating the fleeting nature of life. The composer’s masterful polyphony underscores the text’s profound message, creating a deeply reflective and sonically immersive experience for the choir and listeners alike.
