Motet notes - Schütz

Schütz' "Sicut Moses" is the only Gospel setting in the Italianate collection of Latin motets known the "Cantiones Sacrae."  The vivid image of the serpent turning into Moses' staff brings out the brilliant madrigal-like writing that it so typical of the collection.  At the same time there is a dignity and fervor that is entirely typical of what Schütz brought to the Italian manner of writing.