The outer movements of this set have some of the most interesting two-part writing we've seen for a long time. Their immense rhythmic vigor and melodic vitality are paired with sensitive text setting. The middle-movement solos are equally rewarding. The texts all invoke personifications of female spirituality: the Church as bride, Wisdom with her whirling wings, the Holy Spirit, and the Church as mother. Latin. 1. O choruscans lux stellarum (O glistening starlight) SA with piano or organ; duration: 2'45"; range: a-g"; difficulty: medium. 2. O virtus Sapientie (Sophia! you of the whirling wings) Alto (chorus unison or solo) with piano or organ; duration: 1'30"; range: c'-d"; difficulty: easy. 3. Spiritus sanctus (The Spirit of God) Soprano solo with piano or organ; duration: 1'50"; range: f'-g"; difficulty: medium. 4. Nunc gaudeant (Let Mother Ecclesia sing for joy!) SA with piano or organ; duration: 3'10"; range: a - a flat"; difficulty: medium.
