Apertum est os Zachariae

Philipp Dulichius was a significant composer of sacred vocal music in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This motet, Apertum est os Zachariae, is a prime example of the German Protestant tradition of the period. Scored for SATTB voices, the work sets a biblical passage from the Gospel of Luke, concerning the prophecy of Zechariah. The text speaks of God visiting and redeeming His people, and raising up a horn of salvation. Dulichius masterfully crafts a rich sonority for the five parts, with intricate contrapuntal writing that perfectly reflects the solemnity and prophetic nature of the Latin words. It is a powerful and expressive setting, ideal for a cappella performance.