Composer

:

Hieronymus Praetorius

Genre

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

2:24

Hieronymus Praetorius was a German composer and organist who lived from 1560 to 1629. He was a member of a famous musical family, which included his father Jacob Praetorius and his cousin Michael Praetorius. Hieronymus Praetorius composed a number of sacred works, including the motet "Sanctus summum." "Sanctus summum" is a six-part motet for choir and organ. It was composed in the late 16th century, but the exact date is unknown. The piece was likely written for use in the Lutheran church, as Praetorius was a devout Lutheran and served as an organist in several Lutheran churches throughout his career. The motet is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Latin text of the Sanctus. The first movement is a setting of the opening lines of the Sanctus, "Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth." The second movement sets the words "Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua," and the third movement sets the concluding words of the Sanctus, "Hosanna in excelsis." The motet is characterized by its rich harmonies and complex counterpoint. Praetorius makes use of imitative polyphony throughout the piece, with each voice taking turns singing the main melody. The organ provides a rich harmonic foundation for the choir, adding depth and texture to the overall sound. The first movement begins with a majestic fanfare on the organ, followed by the choir singing the opening lines of the Sanctus in unison. The second movement is more subdued, with the choir singing in a gentle, flowing rhythm. The third movement is the most lively and energetic, with the choir and organ building to a triumphant climax on the final "Hosanna in excelsis." Overall, "Sanctus summum" is a beautiful and complex piece of sacred music that showcases Praetorius's skill as a composer and his deep devotion to his faith. Its rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint make it a challenging but rewarding piece for choirs and organists to perform.

More....