Domine quinque talenta a 8

Jacob Handl, a leading composer of the late Renaissance, wrote this motet for double choir, SATB divided into ATTB.ATTB. The Latin text is drawn from the parable of the talents in the Gospel of Matthew, recounting the master's praise for a faithful servant: 'Well done, good and faithful servant; because you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your lord.' Handl's setting masterfully contrasts the servant's diligent work with the master's joyous reward, creating a rich and devotional sound world through the interplay of the two choirs. The motet is a prime example of the Venetian polychoral style, adapted to sacred expression.