This edition was prepared by Allen Garvin — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Decantabat populus
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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5 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Decantabat populus by Orlando di Lasso — Lyrics
Decantabat populus [Israel/in Israel1]a [laudem2 laudem Deo3]b
et universa multitudo Iacob canebat [legitime]c
et David cum cantoribus citharam percutiebat/pulsabat4 in domo Domini,
et laudes/laudem5 Deo/Domino6 canebat/canebat in iubilo7.
Alleluia.
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About Decantabat populus
This vibrant motet by Orlando di Lasso opens with a jubilant depiction of the people of Israel singing praise to God, accompanied by David playing his harp. The SSAATTB voicing allows for rich and varied textures, expertly handled by Lasso. The music swells and recedes, mirroring the text's progression from general praise to the solemn dedication of the Ark of the Covenant. The composer captures the joy of the occasion, particularly the ceremonial procession and the continued music-making in the house of the Lord. The repeated Alleluias provide a powerful and uplifting conclusion, a testament to the composer's skill in setting sacred Latin texts.
