Exsultate, jubilate

Exsultate, jubilate (Exult, rejoice), K. 165, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was written in 1773.

This religious solo motet was composed at the time Mozart was staying in Milan during the production of his opera Lucio Silla which was being performed in the Teatro Regio Ducal in Milan. The motet was written for the castrato Venanzio Rauzzini, who was singing the part of the primo uomo Cecilio in Lucio Silla the previous year. While waiting for the end of the run (from 26 December 1772 to 25 January 1773), Mozart composed the motet for his singer, whose technical excellence he admired. Its first performance took place at the Theatine Church on 17 January 1773, while Rauzzini was still singing in Mozart's opera at night. Mozart made some revisions around 1780. In modern times, the motet is usually sung by a female soprano.

It is divided into three parts:

Although nominally for liturgical use, the motet has many features in common with Mozart's concert arias, such as those drawn from his operas. Mozart also used elements of concerto form in this motet.

Exsultate, jubilate,
o vos animae beatae,
dulcia cantica canendo,
cantui vestro respondendo,
psallant aethera cum me.

Rejoice, resound with joy,
o you blessed souls,
singing sweet songs,
In response to your singing
let the heavens sing forth with me.

Fulget amica dies,
jam fugere et nubila et procellae;
exorta est justis
inexspectata quies.
Undique obscura regnabat nox,
surgite tandem laeti
qui timuistis adhuc,
et jucundi aurorae fortunatae
frondes dextera plena et lilia date.

The friendly day shines forth,
both clouds and storms have fled now;
for the righteous there has arisen
an unexpected calm.
Dark night reigned everywhere [before];
arise, happy at last,
you who feared till now,
and joyful for this lucky dawn,
give garlands and lilies with full right hand.

Tu virginum corona,
tu nobis pacem dona,
tu consolare affectus,
unde suspirat cor.

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Wikipedia