The words of this motet are adapted from Psalm 114: 3, 4. The Psalm was chanted at Vespers of the Dead. The motet extract became a favourite of composers throughout Europe in the sixteenth century and beyond. One by Morales was sung at the obsequies in Mexico City Cathedral marking the death of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in 1559. Padilla’s setting was composed more than a century later in a manner directly descended from the great master, in six-voiced polyphony, poignant and powerful.

from notes by Bruno Turner © 2020