motet notes - Rheinberger

Composed in 1893, "Benedixisti" is a setting of Psalm 85 (Psalm 84 in the Latin Vulgate), the psalm of the day as designated in the Revised Common Lectionary. Rheinberger is often compared to Anton Bruckner, although his themes are shorter and his harmonies are richer. Chordal declamation of the text dominates except in the brief imitative passages. He uses chromaticism in moderation and the form necessitates the return of the opening, leading to a kind of reprise.        

‍