Fili quid fecisti nobis

John Reager’s SATB motet Fili quid fecisti nobis opens with a direct, devotional intensity, the voices interlocking to create a rich, resonant sound. Set in Latin, the text is drawn from the Gospel narrative of Jesus at twelve years old in the Temple. The music reflects the poignant question posed by Mary and Joseph, 'Son, why have you treated us so?' and their distress at not finding him. The setting then moves to Jesus’ reply, asserting his divine mission and his father’s business, with the composer’s musical choices supporting the solemnity and theological weight of the words.