In te Domine speravi, per trovar pietā is a frottola found in many old manuscripts, often times attributed to "Josquin d'Ascanio", who today is believed to be des Prez' nickname during the time he was in the service of Cardinal Ascanio.

Click below to listen to a fine performance of the piece by the Hilliard Ensemble:

I was surprised to see the translation of this piece, which paints a rather sorrowful picture, while the harmonies are much more positive. It would be easy to feel the piece in a quick tempo, but to try to reflect the text a slower tempo might be preferred. The tempo, dynamics, slurs and phrasings are by the arranger; one should not feel bound to adhere to them.

-Charles Jacot

Translation of the text:

In Thee O Lord did I hope
To find pity for ever.
But in a sad and dark hell
I was, and suffered in vain.

Broken and thrown to the wind is all hope.
I have seen heaven turn me to weeping.
Only sighs and tears remain
To me of my sad, strong hope.

I was wounded, but in my sorrow
I called upon Thee.
In Thee O Lord did I hope.