Composer

:

Thomas Tallis

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

11:39

"Libera nos, salva nos" is a choral work composed by Thomas Tallis, one of the most prominent English composers of the Renaissance period. The piece is also known as "Cantiones Sacrae" and was composed in the 1570s. It was first performed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who was a patron of Tallis. The work is divided into seven movements, each of which is based on a different text from the Latin liturgy. The movements are as follows: 1. "Libera nos, salva nos" - This movement is a setting of the Lord's Prayer, and is characterized by its simple, homophonic texture and expressive harmonies. 2. "In pace in idipsum" - This movement is a setting of Psalm 4, and features a more complex texture with imitative polyphony and frequent changes in meter. 3. "Te lucis ante terminum" - This movement is a setting of the evening hymn, and is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and rich harmonies. 4. "Miserere nostri" - This movement is a setting of the Kyrie eleison, and features a solemn, chant-like melody with frequent repetitions and variations. 5. "Videte miraculum" - This movement is a setting of the Magnificat, and is characterized by its lively, dance-like rhythms and joyful harmonies. 6. "O sacrum convivium" - This movement is a setting of the Eucharistic hymn, and features a rich, sonorous texture with frequent suspensions and dissonances. 7. "Audivi vocem de caelo" - This movement is a setting of the text from the Book of Revelation, and is characterized by its dramatic, declamatory style and frequent changes in tempo and dynamics. Overall, "Libera nos, salva nos" is a masterful example of Tallis's skill as a composer, showcasing his ability to create works of great beauty and complexity within the constraints of the Renaissance choral tradition. Its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and intricate textures continue to captivate audiences to this day.

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