Episode notes
A hymn to St. John the Baptist, written by Paul the Deacon in the 8th century. You may never have heard of this hymn, unless you’ve studied music history or theory, as it’s not particularly well-known or popular, but it is actually extraordinarily influential. In this episode, you'll learn about the origin of SOLFEGE, which of course culminated in 1956, when Rogers and Hammerstein composed the most important piece of music ever written; Do, a Deer. Enjoy!
Link to full lyrics (all 13 verses)
For thy spirit, holy John, to chastenLips sin-polluted, fettered tongues to loosen;So by thy children might thy deeds of wonderMeetly be chanted.
Lo! a swift herald, from the skies descending,Bears to thy father ...