We were immensely privileged to perform this wonderful six-part Motet at the Altar of the chair in St Peter's Basilica during our tour to Rome on the 7th of September 2024. The text is foundational to the story of St Peter the Apostle, and the Basilica itself: the first line is inscribed in vast letters around the dome of the Basilica. A remark by Jesus to St Peter, it's translation: "You are Peter (Petrus = "rock" in Latin), and upon this rock I shall build my church." is both a play on words, and proof of the importance of St Peter as a founder of the Christian Church. The experience of performing this exquisite work in such a profound and auspicious setting was uniquely exciting and humbling, and we were delighted to be recieved so positively by the congregation, the music staff, and the clergy during our visit.

Text:
Latin:

Tu es Petrus
et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam
et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam.
Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum.

Quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis,
et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelis.
Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum.

English:

You are Peter,
And upon this Rock I will build My Church:
and the gates of hell shall not overcome it.
And I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

Whatever you bind upon earth shall be bound in heaven,
and whatever you release upon earth shall be released in heaven,
and I will give you the keys to the kingdom of Heaven.