Composer

:

Adrian Willaert

Genre

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1539

Average_duration

:

3:37

Adrian Willaert's 'Videns dominus (Motecta liber primus)' is a motet composed in the late 15th century. It was premiered in Venice, Italy, where Willaert was a prominent composer and musician. The motet is part of Willaert's 'Motecta liber primus', a collection of motets that were published in 1539. 'Videns dominus' is a four-voice motet that is characterized by its use of polyphony and imitation. The motet is written in Latin and is based on a text from the Book of Acts in the Bible. The text describes the conversion of St. Paul and his subsequent baptism. The motet is divided into three movements. The first movement is a homophonic setting of the text "Videns dominus quia iterum iterumque persequeretur Saulum" ("The Lord saw that Saul was persecuting him again and again"). The second movement is a polyphonic setting of the text "Saul, Saul, quid me persequeris?" ("Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"). The third movement is a homophonic setting of the text "Surge et ingredere civitatem" ("Get up and enter the city"). The first movement is characterized by its use of homophony, where all four voices sing the same rhythm and melody. The second movement is characterized by its use of imitation, where one voice sings a melody and the other voices imitate it. The third movement is characterized by its use of homophony and its use of a descending melody to represent St. Paul's descent into the city. Overall, 'Videns dominus' is a beautiful example of Renaissance polyphony and demonstrates Willaert's skill as a composer. Its use of different textures and techniques make it a unique and interesting piece of music that is still performed and enjoyed today.

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