Composer

:

John Taverner

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1990

Average_duration

:

10:21

"O splendor gloriae" is a sacred choral work composed by John Taverner, a prominent English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was likely composed in the early 1520s, during Taverner's tenure as the master of the choir at Cardinal College in Oxford. The work is structured in six movements, each of which is based on a different text from the liturgy of the Catholic Church. The movements are as follows: 1. "O splendor gloriae" - a hymn to Christ as the "splendor of glory" 2. "Dum transisset Sabbatum" - a responsory for the first Sunday after Easter 3. "Leroy Kyrie" - a setting of the Kyrie eleison text 4. "Christe Jesu, pastor bone" - a hymn to Christ as the "good shepherd" 5. "Magnificat" - a setting of the Magnificat text from the Gospel of Luke 6. "Nunc dimittis" - a setting of the Nunc dimittis text from the Gospel of Luke The work is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate polyphony, and use of antiphonal textures. Taverner employs a variety of vocal techniques, including imitative counterpoint, homophonic textures, and soloistic passages. The work also features a number of musical devices typical of the Renaissance era, such as word painting and melodic ornamentation. "O splendor gloriae" is considered one of Taverner's most significant works, and is regarded as a masterpiece of English Renaissance choral music. The piece was likely premiered at Cardinal College in Oxford, and has since been performed and recorded by numerous choirs and ensembles around the world.

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