Adoro te devote

- Andrew R. Motyka

PDF Sample

Use: General, Eucharistic
Required Resources: SATB choir, organ
Language: English and Latin

This setting of the lovely Eucharistic chant hymn, Adoro te devote, was written by the composer for the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona PA, when he was Music Director there. Originally scored for choir and strings, Mr. Motyka has arranged it for organ accompaniment, greatly increasing the versatility of the setting.

While the original Latin text is ascribed to Saint Thomas Aquinas, the English text used here is a translation by Gerald Manley Hopkins, beginning "Godhead here in hiding…"

Accompanied unison verses 1, 3 and 5 alternate with a concise SATB setting of verses 2, 4 and 6. An organ interlude leads to verse 7, a masterful setting for unison voices with the melody and text of the chant Tantum ergo serving as a descant — a fantastic idea that fits perfectly together, with the last Tantum ergo phrase sitting atop the Amen of the last verse.

Not difficult – very effective – solid accompaniment. This piece should appear at Communion sometime this year in your parish!