Composer

:

Pérotin

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

7:39

'Et Valde' is a medieval composition by Pérotin, a French composer who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The piece is part of the Magnus Liber Organi, a collection of organum pieces that were performed at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. 'Et Valde' is believed to have been composed in the late 12th century, around the same time as Pérotin's other famous works, such as 'Viderunt Omnes' and 'Sederunt Principes'. The piece is written for four voices, with the upper two voices singing a highly embellished melody while the lower two voices provide a drone-like accompaniment. The premiere of 'Et Valde' would have taken place at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, where Pérotin was a member of the musical establishment. The piece would have been performed during the liturgy, most likely during the Christmas season. 'Et Valde' is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the upper voices singing long, sustained notes while the lower voices provide a steady drone. The second movement is faster and more rhythmic, with the upper voices singing a lively melody that is punctuated by the lower voices. The third movement returns to the slower, more contemplative character of the first movement, with the upper voices singing a new melody that is more ornate and complex than the previous melodies. One of the most striking characteristics of 'Et Valde' is its use of rhythm. Pérotin was one of the first composers to experiment with rhythmic notation, and 'Et Valde' is a prime example of his innovative approach. The piece features a complex interplay of rhythms between the upper and lower voices, with the upper voices often singing in a free rhythm while the lower voices maintain a steady pulse. Another characteristic of 'Et Valde' is its use of melismatic singing. Melismatic singing involves singing multiple notes on a single syllable, and Pérotin was a master of this technique. The upper voices in 'Et Valde' are highly embellished, with long melismatic passages that showcase Pérotin's skill as a composer. Overall, 'Et Valde' is a masterpiece of medieval music, showcasing Pérotin's innovative approach to rhythm and his mastery of melismatic singing. Its premiere at the Notre Dame Cathedral would have been a highlight of the liturgical year, and its influence can still be heard in modern music today.

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