Domini est terra

The psalmist declares the earth and all its fullness belong to God, who founded it and prepared it. Hieronymus Vinders sets this powerful declaration in a motet for SATB choir, sung in Latin. The text continues to explore who may ascend the Lord's mountain and stand in his holy place, finding that it is those of innocent hands and pure heart who will receive a blessing and mercy. The music builds towards a triumphant affirmation of God's power, with the choir proclaiming, 'Lift up your heads, O you gates, and be lifted up, you everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.' The composer's setting responds to the text's escalating grandeur, culminating in the exultant questions about the identity of this King of Glory.