Among the many sacred motets of Dufay, this one stands out as especially religious in tone. Most of his works in this genre have a cosmopolitan suavity that this one does not share. It is transparently devotional and emphatic. Its text is a Christian poem, pertaining to the Virgin Mary and positively aches with feeling. This composer is capable of generating many different atmospheres with four- or (in this case) three-part motets. What always shines through is the man's good nature, his love of music, and his faith. Like Haydn, hundreds of years later, Dufay's well adjusted, comfortable demeanor never grovels or leaves a lingering of ill ease. Dufay was also impressively educated, and the level of worldly understanding is also audible. For this brief work, that element of himself is partially suspended as the work generates an atmosphere of innocence that is felt at the core of the material. True to the abilities of a good artist, the composer can shift his perspective to be that one of what sort of voice suits the music, including that of a divine innocent, singing the opening, ascending notes with uncluttered devotion. The longer notes of the opening are heard in varying parts of the ensuing setting as recurring melodic lines lace the entire work together soundly. It is an utterance of amazement and love, rendered with such generousness of spirit and artistry that such a piece will not tarnish with age. If anything, history is ennobled further by having such magnificent features.

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