Jesum tradidit impius

This motet setting a passage from the Gospel of Matthew is often sung during Holy Week. Annibale Zoilo, a composer of the Italian Renaissance, sets the dramatic text describing Judas's betrayal of Jesus and Peter's hesitant following. The SATB voicing allows for rich harmonic interplay, bringing the narrative to life. The sacred Latin text focuses on the narrative of betrayal and denial, creating moments of tension and pathos. Zoilo's skillful counterpoint and harmonic language reflect the devotional character of the music, making it a profound choice for liturgical settings or concert programmes seeking to explore the Easter story.