About the piece
A motet of joy and praise in Latin, in five voices: soprano, two altos, tenor and bass. The edition, 67 measures in 2/2, is of intermediate-to-advanced level.
How to prepare it
Each voice has its own line, and the entrances overlap by imitation: rehearse each line with its text first, and then the entrances with a metronome. The ranges are manageable (sopranos E4–F♯5 (a major ninth), altos A3–B4 (a major ninth), tenors E3–F♯4 (a major ninth), basses A2–C♯4 (a major tenth)), but the difficulty is sustaining: Palestrina's polyphony calls for a continuous legato and very careful tuning. Aim for a luminous sound without excessive vibrato.
When to use it
Suitable as an entrance or closing chant in Ordinary Time and on feasts of joy.