Beatus vir
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets, Vesper Psalms
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Beatus vir by Jacob Handl — Lyrics
About Beatus vir
Jacob Handl's Beatus vir is a setting of Psalm 111 (112), a text of praise for the righteous man who fears the Lord. The motet is written for double choir (SATB.SATB), allowing for a rich, antiphonal texture. Handl, a significant composer of the late Renaissance, was known for his skillful contrapuntal writing and dramatic expression. This setting brings the psalm's message of divine blessing, prosperity, and enduring justice to life through its intricate vocal interplay and sonorous harmonies. The Latin text, often used in Vespers, speaks of the man whose posterity will be blessed, whose house will be filled with riches and justice, and who will be a light in darkness.