Emitte Spiritum tuum, Op. 8

Franz Joseph Schütky's Emitte Spiritum tuum, Op. 8 is a sacred motet written for a large choir of SSATTBB voices. The Latin text, taken from scripture and a traditional Pentecost sequence, expresses a fervent plea for the Holy Spirit to be sent forth, to create and renew the earth, and to fill the hearts of believers with divine love. The composer's setting unfolds this plea in a rich, polyphonic texture appropriate for the motet tradition. The powerful text is given an equally powerful musical response, making this a significant work for liturgical settings or concert performance where the dramatic invocation of the Holy Spirit is desired.