Duo Seraphim

Hans Leo Hassler was a significant German composer of the late Renaissance. His motet Duo Seraphim is a masterful example of sacred polyphony, drawing text from Isaiah's vision of the seraphim and the Johannine Comma. The work is scored for an impressive nine voices: SSAT, SATB, and ATTB, creating a rich and complex texture. Hassler uses this expanded voicing to powerful effect, vividly portraying the antiphonal calls of the seraphim proclaiming "Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth" (Holy is the Lord God of Hosts) and "Plena est omnis terra gloria ejus" (All the earth is full of his glory). The motet also incorporates the Trinitarian text from the Johannine Comma, emphasizing the unity of the Father, Word, and Holy Spirit.