Astiterunt reges terræ

Pomponio Nenna composed this setting of Astiterunt reges terræ, a responsory text from the liturgical tradition. The SATB voicing is typical of Renaissance sacred polyphony. The Latin text Nenna sets here describes the rulers of the earth gathering against the Lord and his Christ, and the futility of their opposition. It is a powerful and dramatic passage, offering opportunities for expressive musical setting. Nenna’s work would have been intended for use within the Roman Catholic liturgy, contributing to the rich tradition of sacred music for specific liturgical moments.