Composer

:

Tomás Luis de Victoria

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Responsory

Publication Date

:

1585

Average_duration

:

4:52

"Popule meus" is a sacred choral work composed by the Spanish composer Tomás Luis de Victoria. It was composed in the late 16th century and premiered in 1585 during the Holy Week services at the Royal Convent of Las Descalzas Reales in Madrid. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text from the Bible. The first movement is based on the text "Popule meus, quid feci tibi?" (My people, what have I done to you?), which is taken from the Book of Micah. The second movement is based on the text "Ego propter te flagellavi Aegyptum" (I struck Egypt for your sake), which is taken from the Book of Hosea. The third movement is based on the text "Crucifige, crucifige eum" (Crucify him, crucify him), which is taken from the Gospel of Luke. The work is characterized by its use of polyphony, which is a style of music in which multiple voices sing different melodies at the same time. Victoria's use of polyphony creates a rich and complex texture that is both beautiful and powerful. The work also features a number of musical devices, such as imitation and repetition, which help to unify the different movements and create a sense of continuity throughout the piece. Overall, "Popule meus" is a masterful example of sacred choral music from the late Renaissance period. Its powerful text and complex musical structure make it a timeless work that continues to be performed and appreciated by audiences around the world.

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