About the piece
A motet of spiritual thirst in Latin, serene and contemplative in tone. The edition, 58 measures long, carries soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
How to prepare it
It is an intermediate piece. The four voices enter by imitation, one after another, and the ranges are comfortable (sopranos D4–D5 (an octave), altos G3–A4 (a major ninth), tenors D3–E4 (a major ninth), basses G2–C4 (an eleventh)). The secret is continuous legato: breathe at different places so that the line is never interrupted, and aim for pure tuning in the thirds. Rehearse each voice with the text first, then two at a time.
When to use it
It is the text of the Tract of the Easter Vigil, so it is also sung in Eastertide and in Lent; it also serves as a communion chant and at funerals.