Angelus Domini descendit

Ruggiero Giovannelli, a composer of the late Renaissance Roman school, wrote this motet for SATTB choir. The Latin text, drawn from the Gospel of Matthew, describes the Annunciation of the Resurrection by an angel to the women at Christ's tomb. The angel assures them that Jesus has risen, urging them to see the empty place where he lay. Giovannelli's setting reflects the solemnity and profound joy of this Easter message, with the rich texture of the five voices offering opportunities for expressive and devotional interpretation.