Composer

:

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1584

Average_duration

:

3:21

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina was a prominent Italian composer of the Renaissance period. He is known for his sacred music compositions, which are characterized by their clarity, simplicity, and purity of sound. One of his most famous works is the motet "Nigra sum" from Motets Book IV from Canticis canticorum. The motet "Nigra sum" was composed by Palestrina in the late 16th century. It is part of a collection of motets based on the Song of Solomon, which is a book of the Old Testament. The motet is written for four voices, and it is a setting of the text "Nigra sum sed formosa" (I am black but beautiful). The motet "Nigra sum" is divided into two movements. The first movement is a slow and contemplative setting of the text "Nigra sum sed formosa." The music is characterized by its gentle and flowing melody, which is sung by the soprano voice. The other voices provide a rich and harmonious accompaniment, which adds depth and texture to the music. The second movement is a faster and more lively setting of the text "Surge, propera, amica mea" (Arise, my love, my fair one). The music is characterized by its energetic and joyful melody, which is sung by the soprano voice. The other voices provide a lively and rhythmic accompaniment, which creates a sense of movement and excitement. Overall, the motet "Nigra sum" is a beautiful and expressive piece of music. It showcases Palestrina's mastery of polyphonic composition, as well as his ability to create music that is both simple and profound. The motet has been performed and recorded by many choirs and vocal ensembles, and it remains a beloved piece of sacred music to this day.

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