Christus Jesus splendor Patris

Tiburtio Massaino was a prolific composer of sacred music in the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. This motet, Christus Jesus splendor Patris, is a fine example of the rich contrapuntal tradition of the time, written for a large SSAATTB choir. The Latin text, drawn from biblical sources, describes Christ's glory and power, his role as the 'radiance of the Father' and 'exact imprint of his nature', who sustains all things by his powerful word and made purification for sins. The composer vividly portrays the text's majesty, particularly in the 'gloriosus apparere dignatus est' section, culminating in a triumphant 'Alleluia'. This is a substantial work, ideal for a choir seeking to explore the grandeur of late Renaissance sacred polyphony.