Beatus vir qui non abiit

Philippe de Monte was a prolific composer of the Franco-Flemish school, active in the latter half of the 16th century. His output included many motets, such as this setting of the opening verses of Psalm 1. The Latin text, drawn from the Clementine Vulgate, describes the blessed man who eschews the counsel of the wicked and finds delight in God's law. The music is scored for SSAT.SATB, a substantial nine-part choir, allowing for rich textural contrast and sonorous polyphony. De Monte explores the text's message of righteousness and the ultimate fate of the wicked with musical depth, creating a powerful sacred work suitable for a large choir.