Composer

:

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1584

Average_duration

:

3:18

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina's 'Osculetur me' is a motet from his fourth book of motets, 'Canticis canticorum'. The book was published in 1584, and the motet is believed to have been composed around the same time. The piece is written for four voices, with the text taken from the Song of Solomon. The motet is divided into three movements, with the first and third being in duple meter and the second in triple meter. The first movement begins with a homophonic texture, with all four voices singing together. The melody is simple and flowing, with a focus on the text. The second movement is more complex, with a polyphonic texture and a faster tempo. The voices weave in and out of each other, creating a sense of movement and energy. The third movement returns to the homophonic texture of the first, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. One of the characteristics of Palestrina's music is his use of dissonance. In 'Osculetur me', he uses dissonance to create tension and release, adding depth and complexity to the piece. Another characteristic is his use of imitation, where one voice will repeat a melody or rhythm that has just been sung by another voice. This creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the piece. Overall, 'Osculetur me' is a beautiful example of Palestrina's mastery of polyphonic composition. The piece is both simple and complex, with a focus on the text and a sense of unity and coherence throughout. It is a testament to Palestrina's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and meaningful.

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