Composer

:

Orlando Gibbons

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

ca. 1610

Average_duration

:

6:39

Orlando Gibbons' "See, the word is incarnate" is a choral anthem that was composed in the early 17th century. It was first performed in 1623 at the Chapel Royal in London, England. The anthem is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement begins with a solo voice singing the opening line, "See, the word is incarnate." The choir then joins in, creating a rich and full sound. The music is characterized by its use of imitative polyphony, where different voices sing the same melody at different times. This creates a sense of depth and complexity in the music. The second movement is a slower and more contemplative section. The choir sings in a homophonic style, where all voices sing the same melody at the same time. The music is characterized by its use of suspensions, where one voice holds a note while another voice moves to a new note. This creates a sense of tension and release in the music. The final movement is a joyful and celebratory section. The choir sings in a homophonic style, with the melody being passed between different voices. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation, where the emphasis is placed on off-beats. This creates a sense of energy and excitement in the music. Overall, "See, the word is incarnate" is a beautiful and complex choral anthem that showcases Gibbons' skill as a composer. Its use of imitative polyphony, suspensions, and syncopation create a sense of depth, tension, and energy that make it a timeless piece of music.

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