motet notes - Palestrain

In today’s motet "Scapulis suis," Palestrina sets Psalm 91: 4-5, the Psalm of the Day in the Revised Common Lectionary for the First Sunday of Lent. “The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield.” "Scapulis suis" comes from Offertoria, published in 1593, a collection of 68 motets by Palestrina for every Sunday and festival of the church year. This polyphonic motet uses lengthy phrasal imitation and weakened cadential arrangements, creating an uninterrupted effect through the text.

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