Invitatorium Domine, labia mea aperies
Hymnus in festo S. Bernhardis Bernardus inclytis
Jubilus rhythmicus Jesu dulcis memoria
Responsorium Filiae Jerusalem
Responsorium Quam pulchra es
Jubilus rhythmicus de nomini Jesu (II)
Responsorium Electa mea
Responsorium Et dilectus meus
Jubilus rhythmicus de nomini Jesu (III)
Responsorium in Nativitate Verbum caro factum est
Motette Salve virgo nobilis/Verbum caro/Et veritate
Jubilus rhythmicus de nomini Jesu (IV)
Responsorium Ecce iste venit
Responsorium Quae est ista
Jubilus rhythmicus de nomini Jesu (V)
Responsorium Surge, propera
Motette Anima mea/Descendi in hortum/Alma redemptoris mater
Jubilus rhythmicus de nomini Jesu (VI)
Responsorium Vox turturis
Organum Sancte Bernarde
Hymnus in festo S. Bernhardis Bernardus, doctor inclytus

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.

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Recording: 5 - 6 April 2008, Kath. Pfarr- und Universitätskirche St. Johannes, Tübingen (Germany).