Ego dormio et cor meum vigilat

Gregor Lange's SSATTB motet Ego dormio et cor meum vigilat is a rich exploration of the Song of Songs text. The polyphonic writing luxuriates in the detailed interplay of the six voice parts, creating a dense yet lucid texture. The motet unfolds the narrative of the bride, who hears her beloved knocking, but when she arises to open the door, he has already gone. Lange's setting captures the yearning and slight distress of the text, with moments of intense homophony contrasting with imitative passages. The sacred Latin text, drawn from the Song of Songs, speaks of love and longing, interpreted here with devotional intensity and musical sophistication for a large, capable choir.