Devour Music

We are pleased to introduce The VOCES8 Scholars 2025/26, who perform ‘Super flumina Babylonis’ by Philippe de Monte at the VOCES8 Centre in London. Super flumina Babylonis is one of the most poignant motets of the late Renaissance. Setting Psalm 137, it captures the sorrow of the Israelites in exile, sitting by the rivers of Babylon and weeping for their lost homeland. De Monte’s setting is full of expressive suspensions and rich harmonies, showing why he was one of the most admired composers of his generation. TEXT (Psalm 137:1–4) Super flumina Babylonis, illic sedimus et flevimus, cum recordaremur Sion. In salicibus in medio eius suspendimus organa nostra. Quia illic interrogaverunt nos qui captivos duxerunt nos verba cantionum; et qui abduxerunt nos: Hymnum cantate nobis de canticis Sion. Quomodo cantabimus canticum Domini in terra aliena? TRANSLATION By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps. For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? VOCES8 Scholars Beth Yates, Kizzy Lumley-Edwards - Soprano Phoebe Wakefield, Merel-Magali Cox - Alto Hugo Williamson, Sebastian Roberts - Tenor Iris Oliver, Frederic Mattes - Bass Audio and video produced by Barnaby Smith & Katie Jeffries-Harris Cameras: Barnaby Smith and Dan Barrett