Cantantibus organis Cecilia virgo

Cipriano de Rore’s setting of Cantantibus organis Cecilia virgo is a five-voice motet for SATTB choir. The text, a Latin prayer, is drawn from the Office of St Cecilia and describes the virgin martyr singing praises to God while the organ plays, asking that her heart and body remain pure. The composer’s setting reflects the devotional nature of the text, with an imitative texture that gradually builds and recedes, creating moments of both intense focus and serene contemplation. The five-part writing allows for rich harmonic colours and a sensitive interplay between the voices, effectively conveying the deep spiritual yearning of the prayer for purity and unwavering faith.