Composer

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Nicola Zacharie (Magister Zachar)

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

Average_duration

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7:21

"Sumite karissimi" is a sacred choral work composed by Nicola Zacharie, also known as Magister Zachar, in the 16th century. The piece was likely composed during Zacharie's time as the maestro di cappella at the Basilica di San Marco in Venice, where he worked from 1565 until his death in 1594. The work is believed to have premiered at San Marco, although the exact date of its premiere is unknown. "Sumite karissimi" is a motet, a type of choral composition that sets a sacred text to music. The text of "Sumite karissimi" is taken from the Song of Solomon, a book of the Bible that is often interpreted as an allegory of the love between God and his people. "Sumite karissimi" is divided into three movements. The first movement is a setting of the text "Surge, propera, amica mea" ("Arise, my love, my fair one"), and is characterized by its lively, dance-like rhythms and joyful mood. The second movement sets the text "Veni, dilecte mi" ("Come, my beloved"), and is more contemplative in nature, with a slower tempo and more complex harmonies. The final movement sets the text "Jam hiems transiit" ("The winter is past"), and is a joyful celebration of the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Overall, "Sumite karissimi" is a beautiful example of Renaissance choral music, characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive use of text painting. Zacharie's skillful use of musical devices such as imitation and word painting help to bring the text to life, creating a powerful emotional impact on the listener.

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