Exultate iusti

Blasius Ammon was a composer of the late Renaissance. This motet is a celebration of community, setting a text from Psalm 133: 'Behold, how good and joyful it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.' The Hebrew opening is followed by a Latin text, 'Exultate iusti in Domino' (Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous), which continues the theme of joyous praise. Scored for double choir (SSAT.ATTB), this work offers a rich, antiphonal texture suitable for performance in a large sacred space. Ammon's setting uses the contrasting choirs to create a grand and sonorous effect, building to a powerful conclusion. It is a fine example of late 16th-century sacred polyphony.