Angele Dei

Grammatio Metallo's motet Angele Dei is written for ATB voices in Latin. The text is a prayer to one's guardian angel, asking for illumination, protection, guidance and governance. This type of prayer, a Marian antiphon, was a common feature of Catholic devotion, particularly in the centuries following the Council of Trent, and Metallo's setting reflects the contrapuntal style prevalent in sacred music of the period. The motet is a fine example of Renaissance polyphony, suitable for liturgical settings or concert performance by choirs seeking to expand their repertoire of shorter sacred works.