Composer

:

William Byrd

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

6:17

"Peccavi super numerum" is a sacred motet composed by William Byrd, an English composer of the Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1590, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It was first performed in the Chapel Royal, London, and was later published in Byrd's collection of Gradualia in 1605. The motet is written for five voices, with the text taken from Psalm 40:12, which translates to "My iniquities have gone over my head; as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me." The piece is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being in triple meter and the second movement in duple meter. The first movement begins with a homophonic texture, with all voices singing in unison. The texture then becomes more complex, with the voices weaving in and out of each other, creating a rich and intricate polyphonic texture. The second movement is more subdued, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The voices are more independent in this movement, with each voice singing its own melody and rhythm. The final movement returns to the faster tempo and more complex polyphonic texture of the first movement. The voices are once again tightly woven together, creating a sense of urgency and intensity. The piece ends with a final cadence that is both powerful and satisfying. Overall, "Peccavi super numerum" is a beautiful example of Byrd's mastery of polyphonic composition. The piece showcases his ability to create complex textures and harmonies while still maintaining a sense of clarity and balance. The text is also beautifully set, with the music perfectly capturing the emotional depth and complexity of the psalm.

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