Johannes Ciconia
Discrepancies in the details of Ciconia’s life need more research, but following Professor Margaret Bent’s more recent studies in ‘Polyphonic Music of the Fourteenth Century V. 24’ Ciconia was a chorister in Liège in 1385. By 1401 he had probably moved to Padua where he honored a number of local dignitaries with his motets, and died there in 1412.
Doctorum principem
A laudatory motet dedicated to Franciscus Zabarella archpriest of the Cathedral at Padua.in the first decade of the 15th century.
Johannes Ciconia "Doctorum principem"
Doctorum principem super ethera
revocant virtutum digna merita,
ergo vive voci detur opera
promat mentis fervor intus concita.
O Francisce Zabarelle, gloria,
doctor, honos et lumen Patavorum,
vive felix de tanta victoria
pro te virescit fama Patavorum.
O Francisce Zabarelle,pabula
parasti pastoribus armentorum,
quibus prescant oves, grata secula
te pro munere revocant laborum.
Raise the prince of the learned over
the ether of virtue’s high rewards,
for this let man raise a lively voice.
let the heart express what is felt within.
Oh, Franciscus Zabarella, fame,
mentor, honour and light of Paduans,
live in the joy of such a victory,
because of you, Paduans enjoy fame.
Oh, Franciscus Zabarella,you have
prepared food for shepherds on which
their sheep graze. For centuries you will
be remembered with gratitude for your
deeds.