Nigra Sum

Composed by: Michael Bussewitz-Quarm

Year composed: 2019

Publisher: Songs of Peer, Ltd.

Program Notes:

In 2016, the United Nations identified 13.5 million Syrians requiring humanitarian assistance, of which more than 6 million were internally displaced within Syria, and over 4.8 million were refugees outside of Syria.

Composer's Notes:

The history of “Nigram Sum” dates back to the time of King Solomon. Some scholars believe the Songs of Solomon come from a Syrian wedding ritual, while others understand it as representing the “revival of life in nature.”

This song is dedicated to all the refugees throughout the world and all who are lost. May you find peace and may this dark winter soon pass. — Michael Bussewitz-Quarm

Additional Notes

Vocal Parts: SSAA
Is a capella: Yes

Text:

Nigra sum, sed formosa,
filiae Jerusalem,
sicut tabernacula Cedar,
sicut pelles Salomonis.
Nolite me considerare quod fusca sim,
quia decoloravit me sol.
Filii matris meae pugnaverunt contra me;
posuerunt me custodem in vineis.
Surge et veni amica mea,
jam hiems transiit,
imber abiit et recessit.
Flores apparuerunt in terra nostra.
Alleluia.

I am black, but beautiful,
daughter of Jerusalem,
like the tents of Kedar,
like the curtains of Solomon.
Do not stare because I am dark,
because the sun has changed my color.
My mother’s sons fought against me;
they made me keeper of the vineyards.
Rise up and come, my love,
for now the winter is past,
the rain is over and gone.
Flowers have appeared in our land.
Alleluia.