Hic est Beatissimus Evangelista

These words celebrate Saint John the Evangelist and Apostle, highlighting his special love and honour from the Lord, and his intimacy with Jesus, reclining on his breast at the Last Supper. The text also reveals him as the disciple to whom heavenly secrets were disclosed. Composed by Giovanni Maria Nanino, this sacred motet is set for eight voices, split into SAT and ATB choirs, allowing for rich antiphonal effects and intricate contrapuntal interplay between the two ensembles. The Latin text is sung in its original language, lending a solemn and spiritual dimension to this Renaissance polyphonic work.