Ubi Caritas by João Viegas published on 2019-01-06T17:46:43Z Ubi Caritas et amor, Deus ibi est (Where there is love and charity, God will be there). My search for a sacred text to write music for was finished as soon as I read this sentence, so strong was it’s meaning to me. The text for Ubi Caritas may be one of the most beautiful of the catholic tradition, as such, it’s one of the most used when composers write choral music. The endeavour didn’t appear easy, but, sitting on the shoulders of giants, I listened. Immediately, a couple of defining characteristics struck me - clarity (the text should really be the main focal point), lightness, and hope,... The feeling that we’re stronger together than apart. Is there a better motto to start writing a piece of music, I dare say? From my own point of view, I always knew the music should speak absolutely clear, and lightly. The notes should feel like a feather dropping on you, as you listen. And the music should feel like hope from beginning to end. Congregavit nos in unum, to sing, to make music. In that way, the result can only be love, and God will certainly be there.