description Sicut Cervus Overview
Sicut cervus is a four-voice Latin motet by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, first published in the sixteenth century. Its text begins Psalm 42 in the Vulgate, comparing the soul's longing for God to a deer seeking flowing water. Written for unaccompanied choir, the piece uses balanced imitation, carefully controlled dissonance, and smoothly connected vocal lines characteristic of Palestrina's sacred polyphony.
help Sicut Cervus FAQ
What biblical text is sung in Palestrina's Sicut cervus?
The motet sets the Latin opening of Psalm 42, comparing the soul's longing for God to a deer longing for flowing water. Its first words are Sicut cervus desiderat ad fontes aquarum.
How many vocal parts does Sicut cervus have?
Palestrina wrote the motet for four voices: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. The parts enter imitatively before gathering into fuller cadences.
Is Sitivit anima mea part of Sicut cervus?
Sitivit anima mea is the continuation or second part of the setting, using the next portion of Psalm 42. Choirs often perform Sicut cervus alone, but the paired motets form a more complete textual sequence.
Why is Sicut cervus often taught to beginning Renaissance choirs?
Its four-part texture clearly demonstrates imitation, balanced phrasing, and controlled dissonance without requiring extreme vocal ranges. The flowing opening also gives singers an accessible example of Palestrina's contrapuntal style.
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