Ab oriente

Sweelinck’s SSATB motet Ab oriente unfolds with a gentle, flowing radiance, perfectly capturing the biblical narrative of the Magi’s journey to Bethlehem. The rich five-part texture allows for intricate contrapuntal interplay, yet the overall effect is one of luminous clarity. The Latin text, a familiar Advent antiphon, speaks of the wise men presenting their precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant King. Sweelinck’s setting is characterised by its devotional sincerity, with the jubilant Alleluia providing a moment of ecstatic praise at the conclusion.