Dum transisset (1st setting)

This responsory by John Sheppard is often sung during the Easter season, particularly around services for Mary Magdalene. The text describes Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome arriving at the tomb early in the morning with spices to anoint Jesus' body, as the sun was rising. The setting features a rich SATTBB or SATTBarB choir, creating a solemn and devotional atmosphere. Sheppard’s polyphonic writing masterfully conveys the sorrow of the disciples and the dawning hope of the Resurrection, with the final Alleluia and Gloria Patri offering moments of profound jubilation and praise. It is a significant work of English sacred polyphony from the Renaissance.