Christus factus est, WAB 11

This motet by Anton Bruckner is suitable for services during Holy Week, particularly Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Sung in Latin, it sets verses from Philippians 2. The first part, Christus factus est, speaks of Christ’s obedience unto death, even death on a cross. The following verse, Propter quod et Deus, describes God’s exaltation of Christ and the bestowing of a name above all names. Bruckner’s setting for SATB choir is powerfully reponsive to the unfolding theological narrative of the text, creating a profound musical meditation on Christ’s sacrifice and subsequent glorification.