This edition was prepared by Jean-Marc Piel — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Cantique de Jean Racine
Staff Notation • Secular, Anthems
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Cantique de Jean Racine by Mel Bonis — Lyrics
Par quelle erreur, âmes vaines,
Du plus pur sang de vos veines
Achetezvous si souvent,
Non un pain qui vous repaisse,
Mais une ombre qui vous laisse
Plus affamés que devant ?
Le pain que je vous propose
Sert aux anges d'aliment ;
Dieu luimême le compose
De la fleur de son froment :
C'est ce pain si délectable
Que ne sert point à sa table
Le monde que vous suivez.
Je l'offre à qui me veut suivre.
Approchez. Voulezvous vivre ?
Prenez, mangez, et vivez.
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About Cantique de Jean Racine
Mel Bonis was a prolific French composer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her Cantique de Jean Racine is a setting for SATB voices in French, belonging to the genre of secular anthems. The text, drawn from Jean Racine's Athalie, reflects on spiritual nourishment, contrasting the transient pleasures of the world with the divine sustenance offered by faith. The music would likely explore the text's themes of longing and fulfillment through rich harmonic language and expressive vocal writing typical of the period. This piece offers a thoughtful and devotional reflection, suitable for a choir seeking music with both lyrical beauty and profound textual meaning.
