In convertendo

This motet by Adriano Banchieri opens with the jubilant declaration that God has turned the captivity of Zion, bringing joy and exultation to the people. The text, drawn from Psalm 126, moves from this profound relief to a confident statement of God's magnanimity towards them. The voices then turn to prayer, asking for God to turn their captivity, comparing it to a river in the south. The piece concludes with the imagery of sowers going out with tears but returning with shouts of joy, reaping in exultation, a powerful metaphor for the reward of patient faith. Banchieri sets this text for SSBB choir in Latin, creating a rich and resonant sacred work.