Hei mihi, Domine

A moment of profound penitence and plea, Jan Tollius’s motet Hei mihi, Domine is suitable for services during Lent or other occasions of reflection. The composer sets a Latin text expressing deep remorse for past sins and a desperate yearning for divine mercy. The soul is troubled, seeking refuge only in God. This SATTB setting offers rich, imitative opportunities for a choir, allowing the contrapuntal lines to weave together the palpable anguish and ultimate hope found in the text. The layered vocal parts build to a powerful expression of supplication, making it a moving choice for liturgical use.