Erravi sicut ovis

Jacob Handl's motet Erravi sicut ovis is a powerful setting of a Latin text drawn from the Bible, likely Psalms. The composer's rich SAATBB voicing provides a sonorous foundation for the plea for divine mercy. The text opens with the words 'I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost,' before turning to the plea 'Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commandments.' The second part of the text continues with 'Remember not the sins of my youth and my ignorances,' reinforcing the theme of seeking forgiveness and divine guidance.