Composer

:

John Sheppard

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1553 - 1558

Average_duration

:

3:29

In manus tuas Domine No. 2 is a sacred choral work composed by John Sheppard, an English Renaissance composer. The piece is a setting of the Latin text of the Nunc Dimittis, a canticle from the Gospel of Luke. It is believed to have been composed in the 1550s or 1560s during Sheppard's tenure as a choir master at Magdalen College, Oxford. The piece is written for five voices, with two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. It is a polyphonic work, with each voice singing a different melody that weaves together to create a rich and complex texture. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Ad Dominum cum tribularer" (To the Lord when I was in distress) and is characterized by its mournful and plaintive tone. The voices enter one by one, with the bass voice leading the way. The music is slow and measured, with long, sustained notes that create a sense of longing and sadness. The second movement is marked "Gloria Patri" (Glory to the Father) and is a joyful and exuberant contrast to the first movement. The tempo is faster, and the voices sing in a more lively and rhythmic style. The music is full of energy and vitality, with each voice contributing to the overall sense of celebration. The final movement is marked "Sicut erat in principio" (As it was in the beginning) and is a return to the more contemplative mood of the first movement. The music is slow and meditative, with the voices singing in a more subdued and introspective style. The piece ends with a sense of quiet contemplation, as the voices fade away into silence. Overall, In manus tuas Domine No. 2 is a beautiful and complex work that showcases Sheppard's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its rich and intricate polyphony, as well as its ability to evoke a range of emotions and moods. It remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire and is frequently performed in churches and concert halls around the world.

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