Bernard of Clairvaux was a medieval mystic, monk and crusade preacher. As the central figure of the Cistercian Order, he ensured its spread throughout Europe. The veneration of the order is expressed in the two hymns to the feast of St Bernard, which describe the life and work of the Saint. Of central importance to Bernhard’s mystical contemplations of Christ was the Song of Solomon, which can be heard in responsories from the Cistercians’ nocturnal prayer of the hours. The “Jubilus rhythmicus”, a hymn about love for Christ, celebrates in impressive verses Bernard’s mysticism. The works on this release are presented by Ensemble Officium, who have established themselves as one of the most prominent Portuguese vocal ensembles dedicated to early music.

Contents:
1. Invitatorium: Domine, labia mea aperies
2. Hymnus in festo S. Bernhardis: Bernardus inclytis
3. Jubilus rhythmicus: Jesu dulcis memoria
4. Responsorium: Filiae Jerusalem
5. Responsorium: Quam pulchra es
6. Jubilus rhythmicus de nomini Jesu (II)
7. Responsorium: Electa mea
8. Responsorium: Et dilectus meus
9. Jubilus rhythmicus de nomini Jesu (III)
10. Responsorium in Nativitate: Verbum caro factum est
11. Motette: Salve virgo nobilis / Verbum caro / Et veritate
12. Jubilus rhythmicus de nomini Jesu (IV)
13. Responsorium: Ecce iste venit
14. Responsorium: Quae est ista
15. Jubilus rhythmicus de nomini Jesu (V)
16: Responsorium: Surge, propera
17. Motette: Anima mea / Descendi in hortum / Alma redemptoris mater
18. Jubilus rhythmicus de nomini Jesu (VI)
19. Responsorium: Vox turturis
20. Organum: Sancte Bernarde
21. Hymnus in festo S. Bernhardis: Bernardus, doctor inclytus