Asperges v Vidi aquam

[johnquinn39]

At my parish, we not infrequently have the blessing of the water in the intro. rite during Easter.

We usually sing Stephen Dean's 'Water of life'. However, the Vidi aqaum has been requested by one of the priests.

Does anyone know of a version of this in English?

John

[docmattc]

You could look at Bob Hurd's setting:
http://www.ocp.org/compositions/64465


Or english words set to the chant tune (not sure that works)

I have an SATB setting by Richard Rice which I found on the web too, but I can't find it again now.

I think "Water of Life" is showing its age now.

[Lakelark]

Be assured, docmattc! My now distant experience as an Anglican confirms that the English words simply do not fit either of the two chant melodies of Vidi Aquam. Many Anglican congregations, however, make a more than passable sound when singing Asperges Me to the English words. But, of course, that translation is complete with thees and -eths, and wouldn't do.

Variations to the Grail version of the psalms are permitted for musical purposes. This covers the Asperges, the words being culled from Psalm 50 (51). Does this permission extend to an English version of Vidi Aquam, which derives from Ezekiel? It would be interesting to know, although there is nothing much wrong with the English version in the current Missal. It just doesn't fit the chant.

[nazard]

There is a simple english setting of a paraphrase of the Vide aquam in Laudate, by Stephen Dean. I always feel it goes well. The chorus words start "I saw streams of water". The verses are suitable for Easter, but not any scripture I recognise. It is number 256.

[Southern Comfort]

Cyprian Consiglio has a nice one: Streams of living water which I know as "I saw water flowing".

http://www.ocp.org/products/10898

By the way, I'm captivated with the idea of Aspergers Syndrome being pitted against a piece of Gregorian chant...

[musicus]

By the way, I'm captivated with the idea of Aspergers Syndrome being pitted against a piece of Gregorian chant...

I'm an old spoilsport, 'cos I have adjusted the topic title. I won't have it said we don't know our Latin around here

[Southern Comfort]

Thank you, musicus. It would have annoyed me for ever!

[keitha]

Another Bob Hurd effort is 399 in Laudate - With joy you shall draw water - not as good, perhaps, as some of the others, but ok, easy to pick up and immediately available!