This edition was prepared by Andrew Hathaway — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
In monte Oliveti
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets, Tenebrae responsories
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In monte Oliveti by Carlo Gesualdo — Lyrics
In monte Oliveti oravit ad Patrem:
Pater, si fieri potest, transeat a me calix iste:
Spiritus quidem promptus est, caro autem infirma. Fiat voluntas tua.
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About In monte Oliveti
Carlo Gesualdo's In monte Oliveti is a motet for SSATTB voices in Latin, setting a text from the Garden of Gethsemane. The composer vividly portrays Christ's anguish as he prays to the Father to let the "cup" of suffering pass, acknowledging the spirit's willingness but the flesh's weakness. The music reflects this inner turmoil and eventual submission to divine will. The setting then shifts to the disciples, urged to "watch and pray" lest they fall into temptation, directly quoting Christ's words. Gesualdo's characteristic harmonic language and intense chromaticism lend a profound emotional weight to this sacred text, making it a powerful and dramatic Tenebrae responsory.
