Tantum ergo is the incipit of the last two verses of Pange lingua. This is a Medieval Latin hymn written by St Thomas Aquinas c. 1264. The Genitori genitoque and Procedenti ab utroque portions are adapted from Adam of Saint Victor's sequence for Pentecost. An incipit, is the opening phrase,or in music the opening sequence of notes.
The singing of Tantum ergo occurs during veneration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the Catholic Church and other denominations that have this devotion. We sang it as out anthem at the end of Holy Communion.
Louis Vierne (1870 - 1937) was a french organist and composer. He was born in Poitiers, with very poor vision due to congenital cataracts. However it was discovered at a young age that he had a gift for music. He was schooled initially in the provinces and then went to the Paris Conservatoire. In 1892, he was assistant organist to Charles-Marie Widor and subsequently was organist at Notre Dame de Paris from 1900 until his death. He suffered greatly from his own ill health, the loss of his brother and son during World War One and he almost lost a leg after a severe accident. Although his leg was saved it took a year for him to relearn to use it to play the organ. His organ in Notre Dame was in a severe state of disrepair and he undertook a tour of America, playing to raise money for its refurbishment. This tour was a huge success but it took its toll on his health.
He was playing a recital at his organ in Notre Dame, and had completed the majority of the programme. He suddenly pitched forward with his foot on the low E pedal and died with the note echoing through the great cathedral. He had often said he wished to die at the console of the great organ of Notre Dame and so fulfilled his wish. Maurice Durufle (another great french composer and organist) was at his side as he died.
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| Vierne in about 1910 from Wikipedia |
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