Quod mitis sapiens nulli virtute secundus is supplied with a lengthy Latin subtitle (‘In laudem Magnifici Domini, Domini Ioannis Trautson, Liberi Baronis in Sprechenstein et Schronenstein, Marschalci Hereditarii Comitatus Tyrolensis, Praefecti Athesini, Burggravii Tyrolis, Capitanei Rovereti et in Stein ad Gallianum, Sacrae Romanae Cesareae Majestatis etc. Camerarii Intimique Consiliarii et Supremi Curiae Praefecti’) indicating that it was written in honour of Johannes Trautson, whose impressive list of noble titles indicates his and his family’s long service to the Habsburgs as military leaders and counsellors. Johannes (c1507–1589) served the emperors Ferdinand I, Maximilian II and Rudolf II, being invested with progressively more honours throughout his career. At the time of this motet’s publication (Nuremberg, 1568) he is listed as Baron of Sprechenstein and Schronenstein, Burgrave of the Tyrol, Chamber Counsellor, and Prefect of the Supreme Court, among other decorations. The text celebrates his military achievements, appropriately maintaining a rather martial tread throughout. Finally, a ‘living crown’ is mentioned, suggesting that the occasion for the piece was Trautson’s investiture with yet another honour.
from notes by Stephen Rice © 2007
