Expectans expectavi

Orlando di Lasso’s Expectans expectavi is a sacred motet suitable for liturgical use. Setting a text from Psalm 39, the music moves from a sense of patient waiting to joyful thanksgiving. The composer portrays the plea for divine attention and the subsequent "new song" of praise through rich, imitative polyphony.

The motet is scored for double choir (SATB, ATTB), offering a wide range of sonic possibilities. The two choirs can be used antiphonally, creating dialogue and spatial effects, or combined for a fuller sound. The Latin text expresses profound reliance on God, culminating in the jubilant reception of a hymn of praise. Lasso’s masterful handling of the text and the forces available makes this a powerful and moving offering.