Fortem virili pectore

Delfino Thermignon’s Fortem virili pectore is a sacred hymn for SSA voices, sung in Latin. The composer opens with an imitative texture, weaving the three upper voices together to create a sense of gentle momentum. The text, a Marian antiphon, praises a woman of notable holiness, whose piety and devotion led her away from worldly affections towards a difficult path to heaven. She is described as conquering the flesh through fasting and nourishing her mind with prayer, ultimately achieving heavenly joy. The hymn concludes with a doxology, attributing glory to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The music effectively conveys both the solemnity of the text and the spiritual ardour of the subject.