Composer

:

Thomas Tallis

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Part Song

Average_duration

:

5:10

'Homo quidam fecit coenam' is a sacred choral work composed by Thomas Tallis, a prominent English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece is believed to have been composed in the mid-16th century, during the reign of Queen Mary I of England. It is a setting of the Latin text from the Gospel of Luke, which describes the parable of the great banquet. The piece is written for four voices, with the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass parts each contributing to the overall texture of the work. It is divided into three movements, with each movement featuring a different section of the text. The first movement begins with a solemn and contemplative introduction, with the bass voice setting the tone for the piece. The other voices gradually join in, building up to a rich and harmonious texture. The text of this movement describes the preparations for the banquet, with the host sending out invitations to his guests. The second movement is more lively and energetic, with the voices taking on a more rhythmic and syncopated character. The text describes the guests' excuses for not attending the banquet, with each voice taking on a different excuse. The music reflects the humor and irony of the situation, with the voices playfully interacting with each other. The final movement returns to the more contemplative character of the first, with the voices coming together in a rich and harmonious texture. The text describes the host's decision to invite the poor and the outcast to the banquet, reflecting the Christian message of inclusivity and compassion. Overall, 'Homo quidam fecit coenam' is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases Tallis's mastery of choral composition. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive use of text painting. It remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire to this day.

More....