Hei mihi Domine

Guillaume Boni's motet Hei mihi Domine sets a profoundly penitential Latin text. The opening words, 'Woe is me, Lord, for I have sinned too much in my life,' immediately establish a mood of deep regret and supplication. The text continues with the soul's desperate plea, 'What shall I do, wretched one? Where shall I flee, except to you, my God?' This is followed by a plea for mercy, 'Have mercy on me, when you come on the last day.' The composer vividly portrays the soul's inner turmoil, 'My soul is greatly troubled,' before reaffirming its trust in divine aid: 'but you, Lord, come to its aid.' Scored for SSATB, this motet would suit a choir seeking a rich, devotional setting of a prayer for forgiveness and solace.