Die Zeit, die jetzt vorhanden ist

Orlando di Lasso’s Die Zeit, die jetzt vorhanden ist is a secular German Lied for SSATB voices. It opens with a striking imitation between the upper voices, a texture that soon spreads to the lower parts. The composer captures the restless energy of the text, which laments the deceit and faithlessness of the age. The lyrics describe a world where sincere words are scarce, friendships are insincere, and no one can be trusted. Lasso’s music vividly portrays this sense of unease and suspicion through its contrapuntal writing and declamatory vocal lines.