Terribilis est locus iste

 Actually, the Latin phrase “Terribilis est locus iste” is a biblical text commonly employed as a cantus firmus throughout many Renaissance texts. From Gen 28:17, it translates to “Awesome is this place.” You’ll see it in motifs dealing with the dedication of cathedrals, as in Dufay’s 1436 “Nuper Rosarum Flores” composed for the consecration of Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence.

Also available via google translate, the Latin phrase terribilis est locus iste is loaded with meaning. It’s also included in one of my favorite motets of all time, Nuper Rosarum Flores. Dufay gets to me every time. 🤷🏼‍♂️

But – this place is awesome, and I love it here.

Guillaume Dufay – Nuper rosarum flores (Best version)

Nuper Rosarum Flores (“Recently Flowers of Roses/The Rose Blossoms Recently”), is a motet composed by Guillaume Dufay for the 25 March 1436 consecration of the Florence cathedral, on the occasion of the completion of the dome built under the instructions of Filippo Brunelleschi.

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