Decantabat populus

This festive Latin motet by Costanzo Porta rejoices in a biblical account of sacred music-making. Imagine the scene: the people of Israel, accompanied by the Levites, bringing the Ark of the Covenant to its place. David himself leads the musical celebration, with singers striking up their instruments and praising God with joyful songs. The SATB choir is called upon to convey this jubilant moment. Porta's setting captures the sense of communal devotion and ecstatic praise. It is a vibrant expression of sacred joy, suitable for a celebratory occasion within the church year, where the text speaks of sanctified priests and Levites, and the ark's transport with singing and instrumental music.