Ascendo ad patrem

Dominique Phinot's motet Ascendo ad patrem is suitable for services during the Easter season, especially Ascensiontide. The text, drawn from John 20:17, speaks of Christ's ascension to the Father and his Father. Phinot sets this brief but profound text for SATTB voices, creating a rich, imitative texture that builds to the exultant Alleluia. His word-painting is particularly effective in depicting Christ's ascent, with rising melodic lines and harmonic tension and release. This motet offers a powerful and expressive setting of scripture, ideal for a choir looking to explore Renaissance sacred repertoire.