Composer

:

Orlande de Lassus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Sacred music

Publication Date

:

1584

Average_duration

:

9:58

De profundis is a sacred choral work composed by Orlande de Lassus, a prominent composer of the Renaissance period. The piece is a setting of Psalm 130, which begins with the words "De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine" (Out of the depths I have cried to you, O Lord). The work is notable for its emotional intensity and expressive harmonies, which reflect the text's themes of repentance, forgiveness, and redemption. De profundis was composed in the late 16th century, during Lassus's tenure as Kapellmeister at the court of Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria. The work is scored for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and is divided into six movements. The premiere of De profundis is not recorded, but it is likely that the work was performed in the chapel of the Bavarian court. The first movement of De profundis is a setting of the opening verse of Psalm 130, and features a plaintive melody sung by the alto voice. The second movement, "Si iniquitates observaveris" (If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities), is a contrapuntal tour-de-force, with each voice entering in turn to create a complex web of interlocking melodies. The third movement, "Quia apud te propitiatio est" (For with you there is forgiveness), is a gentle and lyrical setting of the text, with the voices blending together in a rich and harmonious texture. The fourth movement, "Sustinuit anima mea in verbo eius" (My soul has waited for his word), is a somber and introspective setting of the text, with the voices singing in a slow and mournful tempo. The fifth movement, "A custodia matutina usque ad noctem" (From the morning watch even until night), is a lively and rhythmic setting of the text, with the voices alternating between fast and slow tempos to create a sense of urgency and excitement. The final movement, "Et ipse redimet Israel" (And he shall redeem Israel), is a triumphant and joyful setting of the text, with the voices soaring to high notes and singing in a fast and lively tempo. The work ends with a final cadence that brings the piece to a satisfying and uplifting conclusion. Overall, De profundis is a masterful example of Renaissance choral music, with its expressive harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and emotional intensity. The work remains a popular choice for choirs and vocal ensembles today, and is widely regarded as one of Lassus's greatest achievements.

More....