Composer

:

Pierre de la Rue

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:00

'Vexilla regis / Passio Domini' is a sacred choral work composed by Pierre de la Rue, a Franco-Flemish composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 15th century, around the year 1495. It was premiered in the chapel of the Burgundian court in Brussels, where de la Rue was employed as a singer and composer. 'Vexilla regis / Passio Domini' is a polyphonic work, consisting of four movements. The first movement is a setting of the hymn 'Vexilla regis', which is traditionally sung on Good Friday. The second movement is a setting of the Passion narrative from the Gospel of John, which recounts the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The third movement is a setting of the hymn 'Crux fidelis', which is also traditionally sung on Good Friday. The final movement is a setting of the antiphon 'Pange lingua', which is sung during the procession of the Blessed Sacrament on Holy Thursday. The characteristics of 'Vexilla regis / Passio Domini' are typical of de la Rue's style. The work is characterized by its rich harmonies, complex polyphony, and expressive use of dissonance. De la Rue was known for his ability to create intricate and highly expressive vocal textures, and this is evident in 'Vexilla regis / Passio Domini'. The work also demonstrates de la Rue's skill in setting sacred texts to music, as the music is closely aligned with the meaning and emotion of the words. Overall, 'Vexilla regis / Passio Domini' is a powerful and moving work that reflects the deep religious devotion of its composer. It remains an important example of Renaissance sacred music, and continues to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars today.

More....