Composer

:

Orlande de Lassus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1604

Average_duration

:

4:12

Orlande de Lassus, also known as Roland de Lassus, was a Franco-Flemish composer of the late Renaissance period. He was born in Mons, Hainaut, in present-day Belgium, in 1532 or 1530, and died in Munich, Germany, in 1594. Lassus was one of the most prolific and versatile composers of his time, and his works include masses, motets, madrigals, chansons, and instrumental music. One of Lassus's most famous works is the motet "Regina coeli laetare," which is also known as "Regina coeli laetare, for 5 voices, M. xxi (S. v/106)." The motet was composed in 1575, and it premiered in Munich, where Lassus was working as the court composer for Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria. The motet is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and it is based on the antiphon "Regina coeli laetare" that is sung during the Easter season. The motet is written for five voices, which are divided into two choirs. The first choir consists of two sopranos and an alto, while the second choir consists of a tenor and a bass. The motet is in Latin, and it is divided into three movements. The first movement is a joyful and exuberant setting of the antiphon "Regina coeli laetare," which is sung by the first choir. The second movement is a more contemplative and introspective setting of the text "Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria" (Rejoice and be glad, Virgin Mary), which is sung by the second choir. The third movement is a reprise of the first movement, with some variations and embellishments. The motet "Regina coeli laetare" is a masterpiece of Renaissance polyphony, and it showcases Lassus's skill in writing for multiple voices and creating complex harmonies. The motet is characterized by its rich and colorful textures, its expressive melodies, and its use of imitation and counterpoint. The motet is also notable for its use of word painting, which is the technique of matching the music to the meaning of the text. For example, the joyful and exuberant music of the first movement reflects the joyful and exultant text of the antiphon "Regina coeli laetare." Overall, the motet "Regina coeli laetare" is a testament to Lassus's mastery of Renaissance polyphony and his devotion to the Virgin Mary. The motet has remained popular and influential to this day, and it is still performed and recorded by choirs and vocal ensembles around the world.

More....