Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel

This setting of the Benedictus, the song of Zechariah from the opening of the Gospel of Luke, comes from the early 16th-century composer Bartolomeo Tromboncino. While often associated with secular madrigals, Tromboncino also composed sacred music. This work, for SATB choir, sets the Latin text which praises God for visiting his people and raising up a horn of salvation. The music would be suitable for services during Advent, when the text is traditionally sung. The composer captures the expectant and thankful mood of Zechariah's prophecy, foretelling the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of God’s people.