Laudibus in sanctis (Byrd)

Laudibus in sanctis is a three-section Latin motet by William Byrd that paraphrases, rather than sets, Psalm 150. Published for five-part choir in his 1591 collection Cantiones sacrae, its sections have these incipits: Laudibus in sanctis — Magnificum Domini — Hunc arguta.

History
Byrd was a notable composer of the Tudor period. He composed much sacred music, first for the Catholic Church, of which he was and would remain a member, and later for the Anglican liturgy. Psalm 150 calls for praise of God in music, and even cites nine instruments. Besides Byrd, it has inspired composers such as Anton Bruckner, Igor Stravinsky and Benjamin Britten.

Music
Byrd's psalm setting Laudibus in sanctis is in 16th-century madrigal style, featuring syncopes and onomatopoeic word settings. In a triple metre, it has at times dance character. It is set for five voices, two sopranos, alto, tenor and bass.

Recordings
The beginning became the title of a collection of Byrd's sacred motets, which features the piece as the conclusion. It was recorded by The Cardinall's Musick conducted by Andrew Carwood in 2006. The recording is volume 10 of The Byrd Edition.