Marenzio’s motet setting of ‘O rex gloriae’ is taken from a publication of four-part motets for the Church’s year. The text comprises the Magnificat antiphon for Second Vespers of the Ascension, an item reprised several times during the following week during the Octave of the feast. However, the motet is also appropriate for the feast of Christ the King later in the year, a new addition to the Church’s calendar since 1925.