Ko Matsushita Veni Sancte Spiritus

Matsushita has conceived his setting of the Pentecost sequence entirely in the Renaissance polychoral tradition. He employs the full choir (within individual choirs divisi passages also occasionally occur) solely for magnificent sounding climaxes at conclusions, prior to these occurrences he repeatedly combines groups of voices or he allows individual choirs to sing, effectively, in alternation. This type of reduction is even carried over to quasi Gregorian passages sung by one voice in unison. The piece is tonal throughout, with occasional diatonic seasoning. The consistently homophonic setting is oriented towards the declamation of the Latin text. Melodically it is in the style of modal, Gregorian structures, without quoting the well-known sequence. A fast, rhythmically syncopated declamatory section introduces, the dramaturgically appropriate climax to the solemn conclusion, which, "molto legato," returns once again with large upward swings to the text of the first strophe. Matsushita writes in a comfortable vocal range so that the work can be sung, at the same time, in both a relaxed and grandiose manner. For large choirs, even for oratorio choirs with only limited experience in a cappella singing, this piece is aptly suited for performance and the music is both grateful and brings much joy for singers.