Tamquam ad latronem is a beautiful yet mournful song about the apprehension of Our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane. The moment approaches where Our Lord, betrayed by one of His own disciples, is identified to the armed men by a kiss from the traitor Judas Iscariot. The aggressors, armed with clubs and swords, come under the cover of night to apprehend the Incarnate Word as if he were a common thief. This elegant music, the VII Responsorio for Good Friday's liturgy, brings its listeners along the tragic journey of the Passion culminating in the Crucifixion.
Tamquam ad latronem was composed by Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548–1611), a Spanish priest who is celebrated as one of the greatest composers of the period of the Counter-Reformation. It is sung here by
the British vocal ensemble Tallis Scholars.
Listen to Tamquam ad Latronem
Lyrics:
Tamquam ad latronem existis cum gladiis et
fustibus comprehendere me.
Quotidie apud vos eram in templo docens, et non me tenuistis.
Et ecce, flagellatum ducitis ad crucifigendum.
Cumque iniecissent manus in Iesum et tenuissent eum, dixit ad eos:
Quotidie apud vos eram in templo docens, et non me tenuistis.
Et ecce, flagellatum ducitis ad crucifigendum.
Translation:
As if against a robber you have come out with swords and cudgels to seize me.
Day after day I was with you in the temple and you did not arrest me.
But now, you scourge me and lead me away to death upon the cross.
When they had laid hands upon Jesus and had arrested him, he said to them:
Day after day I was with you in the temple and you did not arrest me.
But now, you scourge me and lead me away to death upon the cross.
