Composer

:

Nicolas de Grigny

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

8:45

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Nicolas de Grigny was a French composer and organist who lived from 1672 to 1703. He is known for his organ music, particularly his collection of organ pieces titled "Premier livre d'orgue" which includes the famous "Verbum Supernum." "Verbum Supernum" is a hymn for the Feast of Corpus Christi, which celebrates the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The hymn is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the feast. The first movement is a prelude, which sets the tone for the piece. It begins with a slow, solemn introduction, which gradually builds in intensity and complexity. The music is characterized by rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint, which create a sense of grandeur and majesty. The second movement is a fugue, which is based on the hymn tune itself. The music is characterized by a lively, energetic rhythm, which reflects the joy and celebration of the feast. The fugue is built on a series of imitative entries, in which the melody is passed from one voice to another. The music is full of intricate ornamentation and virtuosic flourishes, which showcase the capabilities of the organ. The third movement is a duo, which features two voices playing in close harmony. The music is characterized by a gentle, flowing rhythm, which creates a sense of peace and tranquility. The melody is simple and elegant, with a sense of grace and beauty. "Verbum Supernum" was composed in 1699 and premiered at the Abbey of Saint-Denis in Paris. The piece is considered one of the masterpieces of French Baroque organ music, and is still widely performed and admired today. Its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and virtuosic flourishes make it a challenging and rewarding piece for organists to play, and its beauty and elegance continue to captivate audiences around the world.

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