Improperium

Oreste Ravanello's Improperium is a sacred work for SSA choir singing in Latin. It belongs to the tradition of Offertory Hymns, often sung during services. The text expresses a profound sense of suffering and abandonment. The singer laments a heart that expected tribulation and misery, seeking solace and finding none. The lyrics describe the bitter taste of gall offered as food and vinegar given to quench thirst, vividly portraying deep desolation and a cry for comfort that goes unanswered. Ravanello's setting captures the poignant sorrow and spiritual anguish of this ancient text, making it a moving choice for choral programmes.