Jesu, Rex admirabilis

Vittorio Franz composed this evocative sacred hymn for a divided choir, with parts for SSA and ATB. The Latin text offers profound praise to Jesus, addressing him as a King of wonders and a noble victor. It explores his ineffable sweetness and the deep desire he inspires. The verses also plead for his presence, asking him to illuminate minds with his light and banish darkness, filling the world with sweetness. The composer captures the devotional intensity of the lyrics, which address Christ as the ruler of ages and king of nations, the one arbiter of minds and hearts. The text culminates in expressions of unending love for Jesus, describing him as a continuous love, a source of constant longing and a sweet, ever-present fruit of eternal life.