Stephen Hartke

AUDISTIS QUIA DICTUM EST (2011) Motet for 4 Mixed Choirs (16 voices) Commissioned by The New York Virtuoso Singers, Harold Rosenbaum, music director Duration: 3-½ Minutes Audistis quia dictum est was commissioned by The New York Virtuoso Singers, Harold Rosenbaum, music director, in celebration of their 25th anniversary season (2012-13). It is a setting of one of the most challenging and controversial passages in the New Testament, wherein Jesus says that we ought to respond to violence with non-violence. Audistis quia dictum est: Oculum pro oculo, et dentem pro dente.  Ego autem dico vobis: Non resistere ad malo,  Sed si quis te percusserit in dexteram maxillam tuam, praebe illi et alteram.                                       (Matthaeus 5:38-39) You have heard what was said: An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you: do not resist evil, if someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn and offer the other one.                                      (Matthew 5:38-39)

Recording: The New York Virtusoso Singers Harold Rosenbaum, Conductor Soundbrush SR 1027

YouTube Video: USC Cantata Singers Jo-Michael Scheibe, Conductor