Vidi Aquam
A contemplative reimagining of the Vidi Aquam chant, this piece reflects on Christ’s death through horn and choir.
4.5 min • Composed 2025 • Purchase HORN & VOICE QUARTETComposer’s notes
Vidi Aquam (“I saw water”) is a chant traditionally sung during the Easter season, symbolizing the life-giving water of baptism and the resurrection of Christ. In this reimagined chant, I take a darker approach. The horn solo reflects the tragedy of Jesus’ death, while the voices represent the Christian bystanders. At times, they cry out in shock as the soldier pierces Jesus’ side; at others, they whisper subdued alleluias. The prophecy is fulfilled, but their praise is quiet, held back under the weight of Roman oppression.
Harmonically, the choir sings primarily in ancient-sounding quartal relationships (chords built on fourths) while the horn solo floats above them, representing the divine presence of the Father grieving over the Son. At times, the horn lines are fluid and legato; at others, sharply articulated, expressing the anguish of Christ’s crucifixion. The second time through the piece, articulations are left to the horn player’s discretion, allowing them to bring their own interpretation to God’s grief. The piece deliberately sits in this grief, drawing focus on the text.
Lyrics
Vidi aquam egredientem de templo, a latere dextro, Alleluia:
Et omnes ad quos pervenit aqua ista, salvi facti sunt,
Et dicent: Alleluia, Alleluia.
Confitemini Domino, quoniam bonus,
quoniam in saeculum misericordia ejus.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto,
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Vidi aquam egredientem de templo, a latere dextro, Alleluia:
Et omnes ad quos pervenit aqua ista, salvi facti sunt,
Et dicent: Alleluia, Alleluia.
Translation
I saw water flowing out of the Temple, from its right side, Alleluia:
And all to whom this water came were saved,
And they shall say: Alleluia, Alleluia.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good
for his mercy is forever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, unto ages of ages. Amen.
I saw water flowing out of the Temple, from its right side, Alleluia:
And all to whom this water came were saved,
And they shall say: Alleluia, Alleluia.
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Horn in F
Voice Quartet (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone)
Handbells (4 bells total)
Drone — recommended: wine glasses tuned to B4, may also add synthesizer or live instruments such as violin, viola, etc.
Perusal score
