Et respicientes viderunt

Francesco Bianciardi composed this sacred motet for SATB choir. The text is in Latin and comes from the Gospel of Mark, describing the stone rolled away from Jesus' tomb. The opening words, 'Et respicientes viderunt revolutum lapidem. Erat quippe magnus valde. Alleluia', translate to 'And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great. Alleluia.' This setting would be appropriate for services during the Easter season, conveying the awe and wonder of the Resurrection narrative. Bianciardi's work fits within the tradition of Renaissance polyphony, offering a rich harmonic language suitable for experienced choirs.