Hominis

Hominis is sung in Latin, English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa. English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans are three of the 11 official languages spoken in South Africa. isiXhosa is a Nguni Language spoken as a first language by approximately 8.2 million people and by another 11 million as a second language in South Africa, mostly in Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng and Northern Cape. Afrikaans is a West Germanic language spoken in South Africa, Namibia and, to a lesser extent, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Hominis is based on a selection of various texts contemplating the existence of man. Extracts is used from the 15th century text, De hominis dignitate (on the dignity of man) by Giovanni Pico della Mirandola as well as verse 16: 2 -9 and 16 – 20 from the Book of Proverbs. The Afrikaans as well as the isiXhosa text was written by the composer to explore the themes of righteousness and dignity. The work is perfect for the advanced choir, looking for an exciting work for their competition program.