Accepit Jesus calicem

motet by Palestrina

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July 23, 2026

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"Accepit Jesus calicem" is a motet by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, an influential Italian Renaissance composer. Palestrina was a master of contrapuntal composition and a significant figure during the Counter-Reformation, known for his conservative approach to church music.1

A motet is a form of choral music, originally settings of liturgical or biblical texts. Palestrina composed over 105 masses and 250 motets, with "Accepit Jesus calicem" being a notable example of his sacred works. This particular motet was apparently a favorite of the composer, as he is depicted holding a copy of it in a portrait.21

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Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
Music of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
…as Cum ortus fuerit and Accepit Jesus calicem, the latter apparently a favourite of the composer’s—an assumption justified because he is depicted holding a copy of it in a portrait now in the Vatican.
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…as Cum ortus fuerit and Accepit Jesus calicem, the latter apparently a favourite of the composer’s—an assumption justified because he is depicted holding a copy of it in a portrait now in the Vatican.
Read More