Hic est Michael Archangelus

Sung in Latin, this motet for four-part choir (ATTB) by Cristoforo Montemayor sets a sacred text in praise of Saint Michael the Archangel. The lyrics describe Michael as the leader of the angelic host, to whom God has entrusted the souls of the saints, guiding them to the paradise of exultation. Such a text would be appropriate for services honouring saints, or during Masses for the Dead. Montemayor’s setting offers a rich, imitative texture suitable for a cappella performance, allowing the sonority of the choir to carry the devotional message.