Benedictus es Domine

John Sebastian Matthews's setting of Benedictus es Domine opens with a bright, flowing texture that immediately establishes a sense of praise and exaltation. The SATB voices engage in a dynamic interplay, building towards moments of grandeur that reflect the majestic nature of the English text. The music captures the profound awe of the words, lifting phrases like 'praised and exalted above all forever' with a powerful, affirmative sound. The composer’s skilful handling of the vocal lines ensures both clarity of text and rich harmonic colour, making this a compelling choice for Morning Canticles. The setting concludes with the Gloria Patri, bringing a sense of eternal continuity to the prayer.