Beati omnes

John Sheppard's motet Beati omnes offers a radiant setting of Psalm 127, a "Song of Degrees" that speaks of the joys and blessings of family life for those who fear the Lord. Its text, from the Old Testament, describes a wife as a fruitful vine and children as olive shoots, culminating in a prayer for prosperity and lasting peace. Composed for a five-part choir (STTBB), this sacred Latin motet would have been a familiar and cherished part of the liturgy, perhaps sung during a feast day or a service focusing on domestic harmony. The work provides a rich harmonic texture, ideal for a well-balanced choir seeking to convey the deep contentment and divine favour described in the text.