Composer

:

Hans Leo Hassler

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

3:37

'O admirabile commercium' is a sacred motet composed by Hans Leo Hassler in the late 16th century. The piece was likely composed in the early 1590s, during Hassler's time in Venice, where he studied with the renowned composer Giovanni Gabrieli. The motet was first published in 1593 in Hassler's collection 'Sacri concentus', which contained a number of his sacred works. The piece is written for four voices (SATB) and is in Latin. It is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement is a joyful and celebratory setting of the text "O admirabile commercium", which translates to "O wondrous exchange". The music is lively and rhythmic, with frequent changes in tempo and dynamic. The second movement is a more contemplative setting of the text "Hodie Christus natus est", which translates to "Today Christ is born". The music is slower and more introspective, with a focus on the beauty and mystery of the Christmas story. The harmonies are rich and complex, with frequent use of suspensions and dissonances. The final movement returns to the joyful mood of the first, with a setting of the text "Gloria in excelsis Deo", which translates to "Glory to God in the highest". The music is energetic and exuberant, with frequent use of syncopation and rhythmic complexity. The harmonies are bright and colorful, with frequent use of major and minor chords. Overall, 'O admirabile commercium' is a masterful example of Hassler's skill as a composer of sacred music. The piece showcases his ability to create music that is both joyful and contemplative, with a deep understanding of the text and its meaning. The motet remains a popular choice for Christmas and other sacred performances to this day.

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