Dum transisset Sabbatum

Thomas Tallis's Dum transisset Sabbatum is a significant work from the English Renaissance sacred repertoire. This SSATT motet, written in Latin, sets a passage from the Gospels concerning the discovery of the empty tomb by the women on Easter morning. The text describes Mary Magdalene, another Mary, and Salome purchasing spices to anoint Jesus and their subsequent visit to the monument as the sun rose. Tallis masterfully employs the five-part texture to evoke the solemnity and wonder of the Resurrection narrative, culminating in a powerful affirmation of the Trinity. This motet stands as a testament to Tallis's profound understanding of choral writing and his ability to imbue sacred texts with deep emotional resonance.