Exsultate Justi

"Exsultate Justi" is a vibrant, classical Latin motet that calls the faithful to joyful praise. Drawing its text from the opening verses of Psalm 33, the words evoke a bright command to rejoice in the Lord and sing a new song. For a choir, this piece is an absolute joy to sing. The lively, polyphonic lines weave together to create a celebratory sound that perfectly captures the psalmist's call to praise God with the harp and the ten-stringed lyre.

In the choir loft, this arrangement by the Renaissance composer Ludovico da Viadana is often brought out for festive occasions, feast days, or as a powerful Entrance anthem. The music dances through its phrases—especially in the energetic "Cantate ei canticum novum"—before returning to the majestic opening theme. It is a piece that demands crisp articulation and joyful energy, lifting the congregation the moment the voices ring out.