Felix Thomas, doctor ecclesiae

This resplendent motet, Felix Thomas, doctor ecclesiae, would be a fitting choice for a celebratory occasion within the church's calendar. Composed by Giovanni Andrea Dragoni, it is written for SATTB voices and is sung in Latin. The text, drawn from Caelum virginium (1658), praises Saint Thomas Aquinas, calling him a teacher of the church, the light of the world, and the splendor of Italy. It speaks of him as a pure virgin, exulting in the crown of glory. Dragoni's setting, likely conceived for a polyphonic choral tradition, offers opportunities for rich harmonic colour and expressive vocal interplay, perfectly suiting the devotional and honorific nature of the Latin verses.