This religious solo motet was composed when Mozart was staying in Milan[1]: 25 [2] during the production of his opera Lucio Silla which was being performed there in the Teatro Regio Ducale.

[2] While in modern times the motet is usually sung by a female soprano, it was also recorded by a number of countertenors, including Michael Maniaci, Franco Fagioli and Arno Raunig [de].

[1]: 41 The motet is scored for soprano solo, 2 oboes (or 2 flutes), bassoon, 2 natural horns in F, organ, 1st and 2nd violins and violas, cello, and double bass.

[11] Exsultate, jubilate, o vos animae beatae, dulcia cantica canendo, cantui vestro respondendo, psallant aethera cum me.

Undique obscura regnabat nox, surgite tandem laeti qui timuistis adhuc, et jucundi aurorae fortunatae frondes dextera plena et lilia date.

Dark night reigned everywhere [before]; arise, happy at last, you who feared till now, and joyful for this lucky dawn, give garlands and lilies with full right hand.

[2] Exsultate, jubilate, o vos animae beatae, Summa Trinitas revelatur et ubique adoratur, date illi gloriam.

Tandem advenit hora, qua Deum colimus in spiritu et veritate, et nomen illius magnum in omni loco est.