Andreas Christi famulus (2.p. Dilexit Andream Dominus)

This motet sets a Latin text in praise of Saint Andrew, describing him as a servant of Christ, worthy of God, and a companion of Peter. The composer Thomas Crecquillon presents Andrew as a figure loved by the Lord for his pleasing character. The voicing for two choirs, SSAATTBB and SSATTTBB, allows for a rich, antiphonal texture, typical of sacred polyphony of the Renaissance. This version, identified as the 1564 setting, includes a prayer to Jesus Christ, while the later 1576 version focuses on a direct plea to Saint Andrew himself. The motet is a fine example of sacred music from this era, celebrating a significant apostle.