Iam Christus Astra Ascenderat

This sacred motet in Latin sets a text describing the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at the third hour, as they prayed. The text speaks of the light and fire of the Spirit filling the hearts of Christ's followers, enabling them to speak in diverse tongues, proclaiming the wonders of God. The composer Robert Parsons employs a rich SATTBB, SATTBarB, or SSAATB voicing for this dramatic and expressive depiction of Pentecost. The narrative unfolds from Christ's ascent to His Father, to the solemn day when the Spirit's miraculous gifts were bestowed, allowing the faithful to communicate God's glory to all peoples, Greeks, Latins, and Barbarians alike.