5th Resumed Sunday After Epiphany
Processional hymn: Hearken, Shepherd of the Sheep, 873
Recessional hymn: All People That On Earth Do Dwell, 925
Kyriale: Mass XI, 740; Credo III, 776
Motet after Offertory: Sicut Cervus, G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594)
Communion antiphon: Amen, dico vobis, Heinrich Isaac (c. 1450–1517)
The motet Sicut Cervus by G.P. Palestrina is one of his most well known works and is regarded as the culminating example of Sacred Roman Polyphony. The text is taken from Psalm 41: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.
Though many recordings and performances end with the first verse, Palestrina composed an entire second part that includes verses 2 and 3 from the same Psalm: My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I enter and see the face of God? My tears have been my bread day and night, as they ask me every day, “Where is your God?
G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594) is highly regarded for his contributions of Sacred Polyphony and development of counterpoint in the late 16th Century. In the post-Tridentine period he earned the reputation of the ideal Catholic composer for his success in reconciling the functional and aesthetic aims of Catholic church music. Palestrina wrote over 105 Masses and 250 sacred motets in addition to many other works.