Oculus non vidit dates from 1993 and is one of Dubra’s best-known motets. Dubra’s ever-present desire to deliver a message of hope is apparent in the choice of text—a passage from Corinthians offering ample reward to those who love the Lord. Musically, this short piece typifies Dubra’s early style. The writing is buoyantly optimistic from the searching repetition of the opening to the confident rising maestoso chords that follow. For the phrase ‘qui diligunt illum’ (‘who love him’) the sopranos and tenors weave a mesmerizing tapestry coloured by the altos as an accompaniment to a deep chant from the basses. The repetition here, which gives way to an aleatoric crescendo, provides an inconclusive, timeless ending—Dubra often likes to leave the music hanging in the air. The piece is dedicated to Pastor Gerhard Jungst of Dortmund, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Schola Cantorum Riga.
from notes by Rupert Gough © 2009
