This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Christe fac ut sapiam, SWV 431
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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Christe fac ut sapiam, SWV 431 by Heinrich Schütz — Lyrics
Christe fac ut sapiam, quia tu sapientia Patris
Solus es et tecum qui sapit ille sapit.
Heu quantae tenebrae, quam vana scientia mentem
Vexat, quis veri dulce docebit iter!
Ad te confugio, qui lux mortalibus ipse es,
Per quem senserunt cuncta creata diem.
Da mihi divinum lumen tenebrasque repelle,
Spiritus illustra pectora nostra tuus.
Non equidem, fateor, tanto sum dignus honore,
Sum miser et multo crimine, Christe, reus.
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About Christe fac ut sapiam, SWV 431
This sacred motet by Heinrich Schütz sets a profound Latin text praying for divine wisdom. The words express a deep yearning for truth, contrasting the vexations of worldly knowledge with the clarity of spiritual enlightenment. The composer's setting for SATB voices masterfully conveys this plea, moving from a humble confession of unworthiness to a steadfast trust in Christ's redemptive power. The music reflects the text's journey from darkness to light, urging the listener to seek celestial illumination and find true solace in divine grace. It is a powerful meditation on the pursuit of authentic understanding and spiritual guidance.
