This motet is written in a modal language. The harmony often changes to highlight a word of the text. Every verse but the last is written in the same way; they begin with monodic first notes then two, three or four voices depending on the effect wanted, begin to sing on the last note of the introduction. The last verse is the representation of the divine omnipotence. Don’t be afraid; this motet is easier that it seems when you get a closer look at it.
Jean-Pierre Sciau was born in 1965 in Saint-Étienne. He won a gold award as an organist, harmony and counterpoint at the Conservatory of Saint-Étienne. He was a student of Marie-Claire Alain and won a first prize as an organist. He also studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and won a first prize in harmony. He teaches how to play the organ and notation at École Maîtrisienne de la Loire and he is a lecturer at Jean Monnet Univeristy, Saint-Étienne, and teaches composition and how to play the organ.
