In illo tempore…Si diligitis

The rich six-part SAATBB writing of Orlando di Lasso’s motet In illo tempore…Si diligitis immediately draws the listener in, with voices entering imitatively before weaving together in fuller chords. The text is drawn from the Gospel of John, a passage where Jesus comforts his disciples before his departure, promising them the Holy Spirit. Lasso’s setting captures the gentle, encouraging tone of the words, with moments of flowing melisma and carefully shaped phrases. The Latin text, proclaiming the gift of the Spirit of truth, is delivered with clarity and devotional warmth, making this a profound and moving motet suitable for sacred services.