Exsurge, quare obdormis Domine

Philippe de Monte’s powerful motet Exsurge, quare obdormis Domine is written for SATTB choir. The text, from Psalm 44, is a plea for God to awaken and intervene in times of suffering. The composer vividly captures the anguish of the words, with urgent dissonances and dramatic leaps. The scoring creates a rich, resonant sound, often with imitative entries that build towards moments of intense homophonic declaration. The five voices interweave to express the desperate cry of the people, urging God to rise and deliver them from their affliction. This is a compelling and emotionally charged setting, ideal for a choir seeking a substantial Renaissance motet.