This edition was prepared by Pothárn Imre — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Descendit sicut pluvia
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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3 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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Descendit sicut pluvia by Orlando di Lasso — Lyrics
Psalmus, in Salomonem.
Deus, judicium tuum regi da, et justitiam tuam filio regis;
judicare populum tuum in justitia, et pauperes tuos in judicio.
Suscipiant montes pacem populo, et colles justitiam.
Judicabit pauperes populi, et salvos faciet filios pauperum, et humiliabit
calumniatorem.
Et permanebit cum sole, et ante lunam, in generatione et generationem.
Descendet sicut pluvia in vellus, et sicut stillicidia stillantia super terram.
Orietur in diebus ejus justitia, et abundantia pacis, donec auferatur luna.
Et dominabitur a mari usque ad mare, et a flumine usque ad terminos orbis terrarum.
Coram illo procident Aethiopes, et inimici ejus terram lingent.
Reges Tharsis et insulae munera offerent; reges Arabum et Saba
dona adducent:
et adorabunt eum omnes reges terrae; omnes gentes servient ei.
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About Descendit sicut pluvia
Orlando di Lasso's motet Descendit sicut pluvia sets a passage from Psalm 72, a prayer for righteous rule. The text speaks of justice for the poor and the coming of lasting peace under a wise king, likening this blessing to gentle rain descending on the land. Lasso vividly portrays this vision of an ideal kingdom in this five-part (SATTB) Latin motet. The composer's masterful word-painting elevates the solemn text, creating a rich and devotional atmosphere appropriate for sacred occasions. The flowing melodic lines and intricate polyphony showcase Lasso's skill in crafting compelling sacred music that resonates with spiritual depth.
