Composer

:

Philippus de Caserta

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

9:10

"En attendant souffrir" is a four-part motet composed by Philippus de Caserta, a prominent composer of the Ars Nova style in the 14th century. The piece was likely composed in the early 1370s and premiered in the courts of Italy and France. The motet is characterized by its complex polyphonic structure, with each voice singing a different text simultaneously. The text of the motet is in French and is a lamentation on the theme of unrequited love. The title, "En attendant souffrir," translates to "waiting to suffer," and the text describes the pain and longing of a lover who is waiting for their beloved to return their affections. The motet is divided into four movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement is a lively and rhythmic introduction, with the voices singing in a syncopated rhythm. The second movement is slower and more contemplative, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex web of counterpoint. The third movement is the emotional heart of the piece, with the voices coming together in a powerful and expressive climax. The final movement is a return to the lively and rhythmic style of the opening, bringing the piece to a joyful and triumphant conclusion. Overall, "En attendant souffrir" is a masterful example of the Ars Nova style, with its intricate polyphony and expressive use of text and melody. It remains a beloved and influential work in the history of Western classical music.

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