Proper use of phrase: Musica Donum Dei

by Anonymous

Dear Latin Teacher,

Musica Donum Dei or Musica Dei Donum?
and do you need to capitalize Musica and Donum?
Trying to say "Music is a gift from God."
Seen it written both ways, want to put this on a plaque and make sure it's correct
Thank you!


Dear Anonymous,

Either Latin phrase works fine. Musica Donum Dei means Music (is) a Gift of God, while Musica Dei Donum means Music is God's Gift. I like the first one better, as the second might also mean The Musica of God is a Gift.

As for capitalization, that's a matter of style.

Thanks for asking a Latin Teacher,

Sincerely,

John