reminiscere

Reminiscere is the incipit of a Latin liturgical antiphon traditionally used in the Roman Rite during Lent. The word itself is the second-person singular imperative meaning “remember,” derived from reminiscor, formed with re- and memor. The antiphon’s text is drawn from the Psalms (often rendered as a plea for God’s mercies) and is most commonly associated with the Introit for Lent, especially the fourth Sunday in older liturgical calendars. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Reminiscere also appears as a chant text in the Lenten offices, reflecting the penitential mood of the season.

In its original liturgical function, Reminiscere serves as a musical and textual reminder of divine mercy, inviting reflection on God’s compassion during a period of repentance and preparation for Easter. The chant form is part of the Gregorian cantillation tradition, and as a title the word Reminiscere is used by scholars and musicians to identify a family of settings built around that opening text.

Reminiscere has also inspired a body of polyphonic settings in Renaissance and early Baroque music. Several composers wrote motets and choral works titled Reminiscere, using the same liturgical text as the basis for intricate counterpoint. A well-known example is a Renaissance motet attributed to Josquin des Prez, among others, with later settings by other composers continuing the liturgical and contemplative association of the title. Today, Reminiscere remains a recognized term in liturgical studies and in the repertoire of early music, signaling both a specific Lent antiphon and the broader tradition of musical settings built from its text.