Benedicat te Dominus

This is a powerful motet for four-part choir (STTB) setting a Latin text drawn from scripture. Its musical language reflects the sacred choral tradition of the Renaissance. The opening lines offer a blessing from the Lord, acknowledging his strength in overcoming enemies and ensuring unending praise. The text then moves to a blessing of God for creating heaven and earth, and for magnifying the listener's name so that praise shall not cease from the mouths of men. The composer Jehan L'Heritier provides a robust setting, ideal for a solemn occasion within the church's calendar, perhaps for a feast day or a service of thanksgiving.