Jerusalem, surge

Carlo Gesualdo’s SSATTB motet Jerusalem, surge unfolds with intense devotional drama. The text, a Latin passage drawn from the Tenebrae responsories, addresses Jerusalem, urging it to cast off its garments of joy and don ashes and sackcloth, for the Saviour of Israel has been slain. The composer’s characteristic harmonic language, with its bold chromaticism and sudden shifts, vividly portrays the sorrow and lamentation expressed in the words. The polyphonic writing is dense and intricate, building to moments of profound emotional weight, particularly as the plea for tears to flow day and night is set forth. This is powerful, expressive sacred music from the Renaissance.