Decantabat populus laudem Deo

Jan Tollius belonged to the tradition of late Renaissance composers writing sacred motets for the church. This vibrant SSATB setting in Latin draws on Old Testament imagery. The text describes the joyful clamour of the people of Israel singing praises to God, with David and his musicians accompanying them on instruments in the house of the Lord. It continues to depict the solemn procession of priests and Levites bearing the Ark of the Covenant, accompanied by joyful music and singing. The composer captures the jubilation and divine praise inherent in the scripture, making it a fittingly exuberant motet for SATB choir.