18th Movement: Benedictus
The eighteenth movement of the Requiem, Benedictus, is accompanied by a video tour of the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco in Lima, Peru.
The Benedictus, like each of the composition's 24 movements, was inspired by the beauty and grandeur of some of the world's great cathedrals and churches.
The Text Benedictus (Blessed be) In Matthew 21:9 and John 12:13, the Benedictus is shouted by the crowd who witness the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
In the traditional Latin Mass, the Benedictus is sung after the consecration of the bread and wine. It was first included in the Mass in the 4th century as an invitation to communion. In some rites, e.g. the Anglican, it eventually became attached to the Sanctus as a single prayer and acclamation, said after the Proper Preface early in the Eucharistic Prayer.
The Composition Benedictus is scored for altos and sopranos, with a string orchestra that includes 18 violins, violas, cellos and double basses.
We shot the accompanying video at the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima during the Mass for the Festival of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29). The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop James Patrick Green, Peru’s Papal Nuncio.
Latin Text and English Translation
Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domine. Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in excelsis! Hosanna in the highest!
