FEMALE NARRATOR:
Several sculptures in this room depict images of the dead Christ. They were meant to elicit feelings of pity and sorrow in everyone who saw them — a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity.

This song also focuses on the intense emotions surrounding the death of Jesus. Its lyrics are quite graphic describing the body of Christ hanging on the cross:

MALE VOICE:
‘to free us from original sin
And to save us from damnation
He hangs, as you can see, upon the hard wood…’

FEMALE NARRATOR:
The piece, called Se mai per maraviglia, or If ever in wonder, was written by Franciscus Bossinensis, known as Francis of Bosnia. He wrote many pieces for lute and voice, and this is one his most famous and moving compositions.

This recording was made by the Royal College of Music especially for the Medieval & Renaissance Galleries. The text, in English, is on the screen of this audio point. You can also download the complete track free from the V&A's website, www.vam.ac.uk.

MUSIC BEGINS.

Translation

If ever in wonder raising your face
To the clear sky you think, o blind people
Of that true lord of paradise

Turn your eyes over here, that is presented to you
Not that form oh my not that pain
That will contemplate knots of laments

Weep for the great sorrow of the world
Weep for the bitter death and the cruel suffering
If the spirit of compassion pierces your heart

To liberate us from the ancient deception
He hangs as you see on the hard wood
And to save us from perpetual damnation.

This recording was made by the Royal College of Music and was supported by an award from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.