Composer

:

Marc-Antoine Charpentier

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1674 - 1676

Average_duration

:

1:59

"Sub tuum praesidium, H. 20" is a sacred motet composed by Marc-Antoine Charpentier in the 17th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the 1670s or 1680s. The piece was likely composed for use in the private chapel of the French royal family, as Charpentier was a favorite composer of Louis XIV. The motet is written for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and is set to a Latin text. It is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being in a fast tempo and the second movement being slower and more contemplative. The first movement begins with a lively instrumental introduction, featuring a repeating motif in the violins. The voices then enter, singing the text "Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, sancta Dei Genitrix" ("Under your protection we seek refuge, holy Mother of God"). The music is characterized by its energetic rhythms and lively counterpoint. The second movement is more subdued, with the voices singing a prayer to the Virgin Mary. The music is marked by its gentle, flowing melodies and rich harmonies. The text of the prayer is "Ave, Regina caelorum, ave, Domina angelorum" ("Hail, Queen of heaven, hail, Lady of the angels"). The final movement returns to the lively tempo of the first, with the voices singing a joyful hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary. The text is "Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae" ("Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy"). The music is characterized by its exuberant rhythms and lively counterpoint, with the voices and instruments weaving in and out of each other in a joyful dance. Overall, "Sub tuum praesidium, H. 20" is a beautiful example of Charpentier's skill as a composer of sacred music. Its lively rhythms, rich harmonies, and beautiful melodies make it a joy to listen to, and its text is a powerful expression of devotion to the Virgin Mary.

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