Composer

:

John Sheppard

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Part Song

Average_duration

:

4:25

'Aeterne Rex Altissime' is a sacred choral work composed by John Sheppard, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece is believed to have been composed in the 1550s or 1560s, during the reign of Queen Mary I of England. It is a setting of the Latin hymn 'Aeterne Rex Altissime', which is traditionally sung on the feast of the Epiphany. The work is written for five voices (SSATB) and is divided into three movements. The first movement is a polyphonic setting of the hymn's first verse, with each voice entering in turn to create a rich and complex texture. The second movement is a more homophonic setting of the second verse, with the voices singing in unison or in simple harmonies. The final movement returns to the polyphonic style of the first, with the voices weaving intricate counterpoint around the hymn's final verse. One of the most striking characteristics of 'Aeterne Rex Altissime' is its use of dissonance. Sheppard employs a variety of dissonant intervals and suspensions throughout the work, creating a sense of tension and release that is characteristic of Renaissance polyphony. The piece also features frequent changes in texture and dynamics, with the voices moving from full choir to solo or duet passages. The premiere of 'Aeterne Rex Altissime' is not known, but it is likely that the work was performed in the chapel of one of the English cathedrals where Sheppard worked as a choir director. The piece is considered one of Sheppard's finest works and is still performed today by choirs around the world. Its intricate polyphony and use of dissonance make it a challenging but rewarding piece for both performers and listeners.

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