Congregati sunt inimici nostri

Derrick Gerarde composed this powerful SSATB motet in Latin, setting a dramatic biblical text. The words, drawn from Psalm 59, describe a desperate plea to God against enemies who have gathered and exult in their strength. The composer responds to this urgent prayer with emphatic musical gestures, urging God to break the enemies' might and scatter them. The text's theme is of reliance on divine protection in times of conflict, with the choir crying out, "Let them know that there is no other who fights for us, but you, our God." The motet's concluding command, "Scatter them in your strength and destroy them, our protector, O Lord," underscores the gravity and earnestness of the supplication. This sacred work is a potent expression of faith in the face of adversity.