Composer

:

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

1:57

Jean-Baptiste Lully's 'Domine salvum fac regem' is a motet for three voices and continuo, composed in the late 17th century. The piece was written to honor the French king, Louis XIV, and was first performed in 1686 at the royal chapel in Versailles. The motet is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is a solemn and majestic prayer for the king's safety and well-being. The second movement is more lively and celebratory, with a joyful melody and energetic rhythms. The final movement returns to the solemnity of the first, with a slower tempo and more contemplative mood. The piece is characterized by Lully's signature style, which blends elements of French and Italian music. The vocal lines are highly ornamented and expressive, with frequent use of trills, runs, and other embellishments. The continuo part provides a rich harmonic foundation, with frequent use of suspensions and other dissonances to create tension and release. Overall, 'Domine salvum fac regem' is a powerful and moving tribute to Louis XIV, and a testament to Lully's skill as a composer. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless beauty and emotional power.

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