Exsultate Deo

Composer: Giovanni Palestrina
Arranged by Laura Walter

Palestrina's Exsultate Duo is a motet for 5 voices, scored here for piccolo, 3 C Flutes, Alto Flute and Bass Flute (Alto flute and Bass flute both play the 5th part of the motet).

Pure polyphony from the 16th century, inspired from the text of Psalm 80: 1-3: “Sing joyfully to God our helper…”

“The tempo can be varied to suit the level of playing in each group. Motives are immitated in each part. Diatonic melodies are treated conservatively by Palestrina to preserve the consonant counterpoint and discreet handling of dissonance that characterize his music. This music has a consistent serenity and transparency in its polyphony; the purity and sacred musical ideal encouraged by church officials of the 16th century. The original text is taken from Psalm 80: 1-3: “Sing joyfully to God our helper…” ”   – Laura Walter

Scored for piccolo, three C flutes, alto flute (or additional C flute), and bass flute

Duration: 2:30