This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Emendemus in melius
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets, Responsories
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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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Emendemus in melius by William Byrd — Lyrics
Emendemus in melius quae ignoranter peccavimus;
ne subito praeoccupati die mortis,
quaeramus spatium poenitentiae, et invenire non possimus.
Attende, Domine, et miserere; quia peccavimus tibi. (cf. Bar. 3:2)
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About Emendemus in melius
This motet offers a poignant plea for divine mercy, suitable for penitential seasons. The Latin text urges listeners to amend their ways, lest the day of death arrive before they can seek repentance. It implores God for help, invoking the glory of His name, and acknowledges past sins with humility. The music, for a large choir of six voices (SAATB, SATTB, ATBBB), explores themes of contrition and the ephemeral nature of life, reminding us of our mortality. Byrd masterfully crafts a rich contrapuntal texture, bringing profound emotional weight to the solemn words.
