Composer

:

Gregorian Chant

Genre

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Choral

Style

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Chant

Average_duration

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4:02

"Verbum caro factum est" is a responsory in mode 8 of the Gregorian Chant. It is a part of the liturgy of the Catholic Church and is sung during the Christmas season. The text of the responsory is taken from the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 14, which reads, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." The composition of "Verbum caro factum est" is attributed to the Gregorian Chant, which is a form of plainchant that originated in the medieval period. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the 9th or 10th century. The responsory is typically performed in three movements. The first movement begins with the soloist singing the opening phrase, "Verbum caro factum est," which is then repeated by the choir. This is followed by a series of verses that describe the birth of Jesus Christ and the events surrounding it. The second movement is a refrain that is repeated after each verse. The refrain is "Et habitavit in nobis," which means "And he dwelt among us." This phrase emphasizes the idea that Jesus Christ came to earth to live among humanity. The third movement is a repetition of the first movement, with the soloist singing the opening phrase and the choir repeating it. This is followed by a final verse that emphasizes the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. The characteristics of "Verbum caro factum est" are typical of Gregorian Chant. It is monophonic, meaning that it is sung in unison without any harmony or accompaniment. The melody is simple and chant-like, with a narrow range of notes and a rhythm that is based on the natural rhythm of the Latin text. Overall, "Verbum caro factum est" is a beautiful and powerful piece of music that has been a part of the Christmas liturgy for centuries. Its simple melody and profound text continue to inspire and move listeners today.

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