Ascendens Christus in altum (2nda pars Ascendit Deus)

This motet, Ascendens Christus in altum, is sung at Eastertide, setting a text from the liturgy that celebrates Christ’s Ascension into heaven. The composer Tomás Luis de Victoria vividly portrays the triumphant procession of Christ, leading captivity captive and bestowing gifts upon mankind. The SATTB voicing is employed to its full expressive potential, creating a rich and resonant sound. The second part, Ascendit Deus, continues the jubilant mood, with the Lord ascending in a voice of trumpet, further reinforcing the theme of divine exaltation. This setting is a powerful and moving example of sacred Renaissance polyphony.