Dic mihi quem portas

This magnificent motet by Orlando di Lasso, for double SATB choir, sets a Latin text that is a sophisticated secular poem. It addresses the eagle, Jupiter's symbol, asking if it served Jupiter and now serves the Emperor Ferdinand. The poem playfully compares Jupiter's love for Ganymede with Caesar's passion for Astraea, concluding with a toast to Ferdinand and the glory of the world. The text's regal subject matter and the grandeur of the double choir make this a powerful choice for a formal occasion. Lasso's masterful handling of the vocal lines creates a rich and resonant sound, ideal for a skilled choir seeking to explore the expressive capabilities of Renaissance polyphony.