Cum essem parvulus

Orlando di Lasso’s motet Cum essem parvulus is written for six voices in two SATB choirs. The composer’s lyrical setting of this Latin text, drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, beautifully captures the shifting perspectives from childhood to maturity, and from partial understanding to full knowledge. The texture moves from imitative entries to homophonic passages, creating a rich and resonant sound world. The motet concludes with a profound reflection on the enduring power of faith, hope, and charity, with charity ultimately revealed as the greatest of these. It is a powerful and expressive work, well-suited for a discerning choir.