Composer

:

Carmina Burana Anonymous

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:09

"In terra sumus rex" is a medieval Latin poem that was set to music by an anonymous composer in the 13th century. The poem is part of the larger collection of poems known as the Carmina Burana, which were discovered in a Bavarian monastery in the 19th century. The Carmina Burana is a collection of secular poems and songs that were written by various authors during the 11th and 12th centuries. The music for "In terra sumus rex" is written in a style known as organum, which was a common technique in medieval music. Organum involves adding a second voice to a plainchant melody, creating a rich and complex texture. The music for "In terra sumus rex" is written for two voices, with the lower voice singing the plainchant melody and the upper voice adding embellishments and harmonies. The premiere of "In terra sumus rex" is unknown, as the Carmina Burana were not widely known or performed until the 20th century. However, the music has since become a popular piece in the repertoire of medieval music ensembles and choirs. The poem "In terra sumus rex" is a meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The title translates to "We are kings on earth," and the poem reflects on the fleeting nature of human power and wealth. The poem also touches on themes of love and desire, with the speaker lamenting the loss of a beloved. The music for "In terra sumus rex" is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex web of sound. The second movement is faster and more rhythmic, with the upper voice adding lively embellishments to the plainchant melody. The final movement returns to the slower tempo of the first, with the voices coming together in a rich and harmonious conclusion. Overall, "In terra sumus rex" is a beautiful example of medieval music and poetry, showcasing the rich and complex textures of organum and the timeless themes of love, loss, and mortality.

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