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Use: Lent
Required Resources: SATB choir
Language: Latin
Beautifully set in neo-Renaissance style, the masterful skill of Australian composer Colin Brumby is evident throughout this setting of the simple text:
Priusquam gallus cantet, ter me negabis: et egressus foras, flevit amare.
translation Before the cock crows, thou wilt deny me thrice: and going forth, he wept bitterly.
Because the text comes from the Passion according to Saint Matthew [26:75], this motet is particularly appropriate on Palm Sunday (Year A) or on Good Friday.
It also has broader use for any liturgy with a penitential flavor, due to its focus on sorrow for sin shown by Saint Peter's denial of Christ and his later remorse.
The motet is divided in two parts; the second part of the text, "and going forth, he wept bitterly," begins with a point of imitation and contains a brillant five-measure "choral melisma" on the word egressus ("going forth").
The vocal ranges are well within the scope of a parish choir:
- Soprano: D (above middle C) - F
- Alto: G (below middle C) - C
- Tenor: C (below middle C) - F
- Bass: low G - middle C
The choral lines are wonderfully singable and well-crafted, making this a great addition to your library.
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