Dominica Quadragesima

For the season of Lent, Andreas Raselius’s motet Dominica Quadragesima sets a German text recounting Christ’s temptation in the wilderness. The narrative powerfully depicts Satan’s first temptation, Christ’s rebuke using scripture, and the subsequent departure of the devil, replaced by ministering angels. Raselius’s SSATB setting moves with directness and clarity, from the sharp recitative-like opening to the more sustained, radiant conclusion. This motet would serve well as a striking moment within a service or concert programme during the Lenten period, its potent message and effective vocal writing making a significant impact.