Composer

:

Sébastien de Brossard

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

15:21

"Retribue Servo Tuo" is a sacred motet composed by Sébastien de Brossard, a French Baroque composer, music theorist, and organist. The piece was composed in the late 17th century, around 1690, and was premiered in the chapel of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. The motet is written for four voices, with a soprano, alto, tenor, and bass part. It is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements in common time and the second movement in triple time. The text of the motet is taken from Psalm 118:17-18, which reads "Retribue servo tuo, vivifica me, et custodiam sermones tuos. Revela oculos meos, et considerabo mirabilia de lege tua" (Reward your servant, give me life, and I will keep your word. Open my eyes, and I will consider the wonders of your law). The first movement of the motet is marked "Allegro" and is characterized by its lively and energetic tempo. The soprano and alto parts sing in unison, while the tenor and bass parts provide a harmonic foundation. The second movement is marked "Adagio" and is slower and more contemplative in nature. The soprano and alto parts sing a duet, while the tenor and bass parts provide a simple accompaniment. The final movement is marked "Allegro" and is similar in character to the first movement, with a lively and energetic tempo. The four voices sing in harmony, with each part contributing to the overall texture of the piece. Overall, "Retribue Servo Tuo" is a beautiful example of Baroque sacred music. Its use of polyphony, harmonic complexity, and expressive text setting make it a powerful and moving piece of music.

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