Composer

:

John Dunstable

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Part Song

Compose Date

:

ca. 1410 - 1453

Average_duration

:

4:46

'Alma redemptoris, MB 40' is a sacred choral work composed by John Dunstable, a prominent English composer of the early 15th century. The piece is a setting of the Marian antiphon 'Alma Redemptoris Mater', which is traditionally sung during the Advent and Christmas seasons. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the early 1420s. The piece is written for four voices (SATB) and is characterized by its smooth, flowing melodies and rich harmonies. 'Alma redemptoris, MB 40' is divided into four movements, each of which corresponds to a different verse of the antiphon. The first movement begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the alto voice, which is then taken up by the other voices in turn. The second movement features a more complex, contrapuntal texture, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in intricate patterns. The third movement is marked by a sudden shift in mood, with the voices rising to a powerful climax before subsiding into a more subdued, contemplative section. The final movement returns to the gentle, flowing melody of the first, bringing the piece to a peaceful and satisfying conclusion. Overall, 'Alma redemptoris, MB 40' is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases Dunstable's mastery of polyphonic composition. Its smooth, flowing melodies and rich harmonies make it a perfect example of the English style of the early 15th century, and it remains a beloved piece of sacred choral music to this day.

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