Usquequo Domine

Music: Patrice Bréfort

The motets Usquequo Domine (Psalm 21), Panis angelicus, and Te decet laus were commissioned by Pôle À Cœur Joie Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Although they were conceived to be included in Otto Nicolai's Mass in D major, they can also be sung independently of the mass and even on their own.

The melodic writing of these motets is particularly refined and references phrases that can be heard in Gregorian music. The motet Panis angelicus even uses a 13th-century melody in its entirety, probably composed by Thomas Aquinas. These melodies are supported by much more modern harmonies and sometimes rhythms.

For each motet, there is a version accompanied by orchestra and another accompanied by piano. The choir can be replaced in part or in whole by soloists.