Confundantur superbi

The SAATB voices of Orlando di Lasso's Confundantur superbi begin with a dense, imitative texture that quickly opens out. The opening text, 'Let the proud be confounded because they have unjustly done iniquity against me, but I will exercise myself in your commandments', is set with a dramatic contrast between the two ideas. The composer uses the five parts to depict the turbulent emotional journey from indignation to resolute faith, culminating in the plea 'Let my heart be without blemish in your statutes, that I may not be confounded'. This is a powerful motet for a confident choir, rich in polyphonic invention and devotional intensity.