Composer

:

Sethus Calvisius

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

2:31

Deus sator mortalium is a sacred choral work composed by Sethus Calvisius in the late 16th century. The piece was premiered in 1594 in Leipzig, Germany, where Calvisius served as the cantor of the Thomaskirche. The work is divided into six movements, each of which is based on a different text from the Bible. The first movement, "Deus sator mortalium," is a setting of Psalm 90, which praises God as the creator and sustainer of all life. The second movement, "Domine, exaudi orationem meam," is a setting of Psalm 102, which asks God to hear the prayers of the faithful. The third movement, "Miserere mei, Deus," is a setting of Psalm 51, which asks for God's mercy and forgiveness. The fourth movement, "Gloria Patri," is a setting of the doxology, which praises the Holy Trinity. The fifth movement, "Et in saecula saeculorum," is a setting of the Amen, which affirms the truth of the preceding statements. The final movement, "Amen," is a repetition of the Amen, bringing the work to a close. The characteristics of Deus sator mortalium are typical of the sacred choral music of the late Renaissance. The work is written for four-part choir, with each voice part having its own melodic line. The music is characterized by its polyphonic texture, with each voice part weaving in and out of the others to create a rich and complex sound. The harmonies are often dissonant, but always resolved in a satisfying way. Overall, Deus sator mortalium is a beautiful and moving work of sacred choral music that showcases the skill and artistry of Sethus Calvisius. Its timeless themes of praise, prayer, and forgiveness continue to resonate with audiences today.

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