Descendi in ortum meum

John Dunstable was a leading English composer of the early 15th century, whose music bridges the ars nova and the early Renaissance. This sacred motet, Descendi in ortum meum, is set in Latin for SATB choir. The text draws on the Song of Songs, likening the choir's voices to a garden where blossoms are sought. The composer's rich harmonies and flowing melodic lines create a sound world that is both devotional and sensuous, reflecting the imagery of the text with its exploration of burgeoning beauty and tender invitation. It is a fine example of Dunstable's elegant style and his mastery of polyphonic writing for voices.