Simple Latin Motets

- Colin Brumby

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Use: Christmas, Marian, Lent, Palm Sunday, General
Required Resources: SATB choir
Language: Latin

These five Latin motets are a blessing for choir directors looking for good, easy pieces that are long enough to fill a spot at Offertory or Communion. Colin Brumby's superb choral writing skill comes to the fore in these motets, which can be used at various times throughout the year.

1. Puer natus in Bethlehem is a Christmas text. The refrain ("In cordis jubilo …") is set for unison choir with organ accompaniment. SATB voices sing four verses ("Puer natus…" / "Hic jacet…" / "In hoc natali…" / "Laudetur sancta Trinitas…"), each followed by the refrain.
    
2. Jesu, dulcis memoria, whose text is attributed to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, is appropriate for celebrations of the Holy Name or for general singing. Verses 1, 3 and 5 are set in the style of an SATB Bach chorale. Verses 2 and 4 use the familiar chant melody in unison (a cappella).
    
3. O Sanctissima has an 18th century Sicilian text. Three verses, in homophonic texture, sing the praises of the Blessed Virgin ("O sanctissima…" / "Tota pulchra es…" / "Sicut lilium…"). Each verse ends with the same petition: Mater amata, intemerata, ora pro nobis.
    
4. Parce Domine, a Lenten hymn based on Joel 2, begins with a sturdy unison refrain, accompanied by organ. Four chorale-like verses follow ("Flectamus iram…" / "Nostris malis…" / "Dans tempus acceptabilis…" / "Audi benigne Conditor…"), with the refrain sung after each.
    
5. Gloria laus et honor is a hymn to Christ the King sung on Palm Sunday, with text by Saint Theodulph of Orleans. The traditional chant, "Gloria laus et honor … Hosanna pium," is used as the a cappella unison refrain. Five SATB verses are written, with optional organ doubling the voice parts.

This octavo offers a fantastic bargain: five useful, easy motets, which will maximize rehearsal time and please both choir and congregation!