Ecce Maria genuit nobis

Sung at Christmas, this motet by Orlando di Lasso sets a text drawn from the liturgy. The words speak of Mary giving birth to the Saviour, whom John the Baptist recognized with the cry, 'Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.' Lasso's SATTB setting is rich and polyphonic, reflecting the reverence and joy of the season. The music unfolds the unfolding of the Incarnation, from the prophecy of John to the acclamation of Christ as the Lamb of God. This is a substantial and rewarding motet for a choir seeking a fine example of Renaissance sacred polyphony.