Sheet Music: Non nobis Domine

TitleNon nobis Domine
ComposerTraditional
InstrumentationFlute trio
KeyG major
RangeD4–G5
Time signature2/2
Tempo48 BPM
Performance time0:55
Difficulty leveleasy
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (53 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (428 kB)
Play-along accompanimentMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (417 kB)
Date added2015-10-31
Last updated2015-10-31
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 0.3 (below average)
Categories
Canons, Traditional/Folk

Performances

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Saturday 31 October 2015

Tune of the Day: Non nobis Domine

Traditional canon, arranged for three flutes

This celebrated canon is based on a short Latin hymn used as a prayer of thanksgiving and expression of humility. English historians used to be unanimous in describing “Non nobis Domine” as the composition of William Byrd; however, it is not to be found in any volume of his published works.

Shakespeare's Henry V has the king proclaim the singing of “Non nobis Domine” after the victory at Agincourt (1415). The canon is sung in the 1944 film of Henry V starring Laurence Olivier, though we now know that this version was not in existence when Shakespeare wrote his play. A completely different musical setting of the hymn was composed (and sung) by Patrick Doyle for the 1989 film adaptation by Kenneth Branagh.

Thanks to Steve for suggesting this tune!