Adrian Willaert was one of the most important composers of the Cinquecento. In 1527, he was appointed chapel master of St Mark’s Cathedral in Venice – at the time, pretty much the most prestigious position in the music world one could possibly attain. He held it for no less than 35 years and in the course of that time, numerous composers from all over Europe came to Venice to study with him, leading thus to what was going to be known as the „Venice School“. When Willaert died in 1562 aged 72, he left behind an unusual extensive œuvre: ten masses, more than 150 motets, as well as hymns, madrigals, villanelle and chansons. His works were printed and performed throughout Europe at the time.

„Veni Sanctus Spiritus“ is a sequence sung in honour of God the Holy Spirit and prescribed in the Roman Rite for the Masses of Pentecost Sunday. Willaert’s motet (written in 1539) is to be heard here in the intepretation of the SWR Vokalensemble, which counts worldwide as one of the best a-cappella-choirs.