Composer

:

John Sheppard

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1553 - 1558

Average_duration

:

3:16

In manus tuas Domine No. 3 is a sacred choral work composed by John Sheppard, an English Renaissance composer. The piece is a setting of the Latin text of the Nunc Dimittis, a canticle from the Gospel of Luke. It is believed to have been composed in the 1550s or 1560s during Sheppard's tenure as a choir master at Magdalen College, Oxford. The piece is written for five voices, with two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. It is a polyphonic work, with each voice singing a different melody that weaves together to create a rich and complex texture. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Ad Dominum cum tribularer" (To the Lord when I was in distress) and is in a minor key. It begins with a mournful melody in the alto voice, which is then taken up by the other voices in turn. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the voices overlapping and interweaving in intricate counterpoint. The movement ends with a quiet, prayerful section in which the voices sing the words "In manus tuas Domine" (Into your hands, Lord). The second movement is marked "Sicut erat in principio" (As it was in the beginning) and is in a major key. It begins with a joyful melody in the soprano voices, which is then echoed by the other voices. The music is lively and energetic, with the voices dancing around each other in playful counterpoint. The movement ends with a triumphant section in which the voices sing the words "Et in saecula saeculorum" (And forever and ever). The third movement is marked "Nunc dimittis" (Now let your servant depart) and is in a minor key. It begins with a solemn melody in the bass voice, which is then taken up by the other voices in turn. The music is mournful and contemplative, with the voices singing the words of the canticle in a gentle, prayerful manner. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful section in which the voices sing the words "In pace" (In peace). Overall, In manus tuas Domine No. 3 is a beautiful and complex work that showcases Sheppard's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its intricate counterpoint, rich harmonies, and expressive use of text painting. It remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire and is frequently performed by choirs around the world.

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