Quia vidisti me, Thomas
by Hans Leo Hassler
4-Part - Sheet Music

SATB choir, a cappella

SKU: C5.7078

Composed by Hans Leo Hassler. Arranged by Mark Siebert. This Hassler setting of Christ's words to St. Thomas is perfect for the Second Sunday of Easter, when the Resurrection appearance in John 20 is the Gospel reading. It is also a magnificent example of authentic fugal counterpoint -- by-the-book, yet wonder. Eastertide. Published by CanticaNOVA Publications (C5.7078).

Text source: Magnificat antiphon for Vespers on the Feast of Saint Thomas.

This new addition to our Treasury of Sacred Music series is certainly appropriate on the Second Sunday of Easter, when the Resurrection appearance in John 20 is the Gospel reading. It is also useful throughout the season, on the Feast of Saint Thomas (July 3), or at any Mass centered on belief in God. This Hassler setting of Christ's words is a magnificent example of authentic fugal counterpoint -- by-the-book, yet wonderfully expressive. This motet is found in the composer's collection Cantiones sacræ, published in Augsburg in 1591. He was a student of Andrea Gabrieli and was influenced by the Venetian polychoral style, returning to Germany in 1585. His compositional style is simple, direct and clear. The editor, Mark Siebert, lowered the key a minor third from the original. The vocal ranges are moderate: Soprano (E to E), Alto (A to A), Tenor (E to F#), Bass (A to B) -- just about an octave for each voice part! The text is translated: "Because you have seen me, Thomas, you believe. Blessed are they who have not seen, yet still believe.".