In the eight-part motets
Spiritus Sanctus and
Veni Sancte Spiritus, Palestrina takes the antiphonal writing implicit in
Dum complerentur to its logical conclusion, using the two groups in alternation to provide dramatic textural contrasts and achieving magnificent climactic moments by bringing them together again.
Spiritus Sanctus is a joyful explosion of sound, depicting in the clearest of terms the Holy Spirit ‘filling the whole house’ and ending with a magnificent ‘Alleluia’.
from notes by Ivan Moody © 2003
;)
