Composer

:

Antoine Busnois

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

ca. 1470

Average_duration

:

1:24

'Alleluia, Verbum caro factum est' is a sacred motet composed by Antoine Busnois, a prominent composer of the Burgundian School, in the late 15th century. The piece is believed to have been composed around 1460-1470, during Busnois' tenure as a singer and composer at the court of Burgundy. The motet is written for four voices, with the text taken from the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 14: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." The piece is structured in three movements, with the first and third movements featuring the same text, while the second movement features a different text. The first movement begins with a joyful and exultant "Alleluia," sung by the entire ensemble. The voices then enter one by one, with the tenor and bass singing the text "Verbum caro factum est" (The Word was made flesh), while the alto and soprano sing a counterpoint melody. The movement is characterized by its lively rhythms, intricate polyphony, and soaring vocal lines. The second movement features the text "O admirabile commercium" (O wondrous exchange), which praises the mystery of the Incarnation. The music is more subdued and contemplative, with the voices singing in a homophonic texture. The harmonies are rich and expressive, with dissonances used to highlight the text. The third movement returns to the "Alleluia" text of the first movement, with the voices once again singing in a lively and joyful manner. The music is similar to the first movement, with intricate polyphony and soaring vocal lines. The piece ends with a final "Alleluia," sung by the entire ensemble. Overall, 'Alleluia, Verbum caro factum est' is a masterful example of the polyphonic style of the Burgundian School. The piece showcases Busnois' skill in crafting intricate and expressive vocal lines, as well as his ability to create a sense of joy and exultation through music.

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