Dixerunt discipuli ad beatum Martinum

This motet by Jacob Handl sets a poignant Latin text from the perspective of St Martin's disciples. On the occasion of his passing, they lament his departure, fearing they will be left vulnerable and desolate, prey to rapacious wolves. The composer masterfully captures their distress, with the divided SSAA and TTBB choirs echoing their pleas. Handl’s intricate contrapuntal writing and rich harmonies are characteristic of sacred Renaissance part-music, creating a deeply expressive and moving musical setting for this devotional text.