Composer

:

Nicolas Gombert

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

7:18

'Ego sum qui sum' is a motet composed by Nicolas Gombert, a Franco-Flemish composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the mid-16th century, during the height of the Renaissance period. It is a six-voice motet, which premiered in the courts of Europe, where Gombert was employed as a court musician. The motet is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is characterized by its use of imitative polyphony, where each voice enters in turn with the same melody. This creates a sense of unity and coherence, as the voices blend together to create a rich and complex texture. The second movement is more homophonic, with the voices singing in unison or in simple harmonies. This creates a sense of clarity and simplicity, as the text is emphasized over the music. The text of this movement is taken from the book of Exodus, and speaks of God's power and majesty. The final movement returns to the imitative polyphony of the first movement, but with a more complex and intricate texture. The voices weave in and out of each other, creating a sense of tension and release. The text of this movement is taken from the book of Revelation, and speaks of the glory of God. Overall, 'Ego sum qui sum' is a masterful example of Renaissance polyphony, with its intricate counterpoint and rich harmonies. It showcases Gombert's skill as a composer, and his ability to create music that is both complex and beautiful. The piece has remained popular to this day, and is often performed by choirs and vocal ensembles around the world.

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