Tantum Ergo (In Memoriam—Edward Kennedy Ellington)

Song Meaning

This piece opens with a spoken introduction framing the musical performance as a tribute to Edward Kennedy Ellington, a figure described as profoundly influential in jazz and music. Pianist Alan Broadbent, deeply indebted to Ellington, composed this work, drawing inspiration from his childhood church experiences. The title, "Tantum Ergo," is a Latin phrase from a Catholic hymn, suggesting a sacred or deeply respectful context for the tribute. The core of the piece lies in the Latin verses, "Tantum ergo sacramentum / Veneremur cernui / Et antiquum documentum / Novo cedat ritui / Amen." This translates to "Therefore the highest sacrament / Let us worship prostrate / And let the old covenant / Give way to the new rite." The lyrics invoke a sense of profound reverence and a transition, perhaps from an older musical or spiritual tradition to a new one, embodied by Ellington's legacy. The juxtaposition of a Catholic hymn's text with a tribute to a jazz icon is a striking artistic choice. It elevates Ellington's influence to a near-sacred status, suggesting his music and innovations represent a "new rite" that supersedes or transforms previous musical "covenants." The spoken intro explicitly states the piece is "in memoriam," underscoring the solemnity and the desire to honor a departed master. The effectiveness of these lyrics stems from this unexpected fusion. By employing sacred Latin text, the piece imbues the tribute with immense weight and spiritual significance. It suggests that Ellington's contribution was not just musical genius, but a transformative force akin to a religious revelation, demanding deep veneration and marking a significant shift in the landscape of music.