Et egressus est

Manuel Cardoso was a leading Portuguese composer of the Spanish School, and his motets are highly regarded. This SSAATB setting of a Latin text draws on the Book of Lamentations to express deep sorrow. The music reflects the desolation described in the words, with the opening lines 'Et egressus est a filia Sion omnis decor eius' ('And all her beauty departed from the daughter of Zion') immediately setting a mournful tone. The subsequent verses detail Jerusalem's suffering and humiliation at the hands of enemies, leading to a poignant plea for repentance, 'Convertere ad Dominum Deum tuum' ('Return unto the Lord thy God'). Cardoso's rich vocal writing perfectly captures the pathos of this ancient text, making it a powerful expression of grief and a call for spiritual return.