Composer

:

Orlande de Lassus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1573

Average_duration

:

4:34

"Media vita in morte sumus" is a sacred motet composed by Orlande de Lassus, a prominent composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece is also known as "In the midst of life we are in death" and is based on a Latin hymn of the same name. It was composed in the late 16th century, around 1570, and was premiered in Munich, Germany. The motet is written for six voices, with two sopranos, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass. It is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being in a homophonic style, while the second movement is in a polyphonic style. The first movement begins with a solemn and mournful tone, with the voices singing in unison. The second movement is more complex, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a polyphonic style. The third movement returns to the homophonic style of the first movement, with the voices singing in unison once again. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which were common features of late Renaissance music. The use of dissonance creates a sense of tension and unease, which is appropriate for the somber subject matter of the piece. The chromaticism adds to the complexity of the piece, as it involves the use of notes outside of the traditional diatonic scale. Overall, "Media vita in morte sumus" is a powerful and moving piece of music that reflects the religious and cultural context of the late Renaissance period. Its use of dissonance and chromaticism, as well as its homophonic and polyphonic styles, make it a significant work in the history of Western classical music.

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