OMETIMES YOU READ ABOUT easy 3 part motets, only to find the complexity of the timing and intervals involved makes them out of reach. They may be fairly short and only 3 parts, but still challenging.
This piece was shared on the music sacra forum way back in 2008 and has since travelled the world and become a favourite among many choirs. It is short and sweet and there is symmetry which makes learning easier.
The lyrics: “Ametur ubique terrarum Cor Jesu Sacratissimum in aeternum!”
Which is: “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved, forever!” – the motto of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
* * PDF Score Ametur, 3 part polyphony by Fr Tom Luby MSC.
I am hoping to introduce it to two groups this year, so here I share the practice recordings I have made. Please forgive the singing. It should be clear enough to learn from.
Top part predominant – Audio MP3
Middle part predominant – Audio MP3
Lowest part predominant – Audio MP3
I don’t have a good equal voices recording yet, but hopefully there will be one soon!
NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:
The photo here is a beautiful example of goldwork, or Goudborduurwerk by H. van Severen, Sint-Niklaas circa.1900. “S CORDIS IESU SEVEREN-ENTE“ by Carolus – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.