Laudibus in sanctis | |
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Sacred motet by William Byrd | |
Text | Psalm 150 |
Language | Latin |
Published | 1591 |
Scoring | SSATB |
Laudibus in sanctis is a three-section Latin motet by William Byrd that paraphrases, rather than sets, Psalm 150. Published for five-part choir in his 1591 collection Cantiones sacrae, its sections have these incipits: Laudibus in sanctis — Magnificum Domini — Hunc arguta.
Byrd was a notable composer of the Tudor period.[1] He composed much sacred music, first for the Catholic Church, of which he was and would remain a member, and later for the Anglican liturgy.[1] Psalm 150 calls for praise of God in music, and even cites nine instruments.[2] Besides Byrd, it has inspired composers such as Anton Bruckner, Igor Stravinsky and Benjamin Britten.[3]
Byrd's psalm setting Laudibus in sanctis is in 16th-century madrigal style, featuring syncopes and onomatopoeic word settings. In a triple metre, it has at times dance character. It is set for five voices, two sopranos, alto, tenor and bass.[1]
The beginning became the title of a collection of Byrd's sacred motets, which features the piece as the conclusion. It was recorded by The Cardinall's Musick conducted by Andrew Carwood in 2006.[4] The recording is volume 10 of The Byrd Edition.[5]