Caligaverunt oculi mei

This motet by Jacquet de Mantua is a profound expression of grief, drawing on texts from the Lamentations of Jeremiah. The composer sets the words 'My eyes have failed from my weeping; because he who comforted me is far from me' followed by an appeal to all peoples to witness and compare their sorrow, asking 'Is there any sorrow like unto my sorrow?' The piece is written for a five-part choir (soprano, tenor, tenor, bass, bass), exploring the depths of lament with rich, imitative polyphony characteristic of Renaissance sacred music.