Composer

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Thomas Tallis

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Open Form

Average_duration

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14:10

Felix namque (I) is a sacred choral work composed by Thomas Tallis, one of the most prominent English composers of the Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and was likely premiered at the Chapel Royal, where Tallis served as a Gentleman of the Chapel. Felix namque (I) is a motet, a type of choral composition that sets a Latin text to music. The text of the piece is taken from the hymn for the Feast of All Saints, and celebrates the virtues of the saints and their place in heaven. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which sets a different section of the text. The first movement is a lively and joyful setting of the opening lines of the hymn, "Felix namque es, sacra Virgo Maria, et omni laude dignissima." The music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and bright harmonies, which convey the exultant mood of the text. The second movement is a more contemplative setting of the text, "Sancti tui, Domine, florebunt sicut lilia." The music is slower and more introspective, with rich harmonies and expressive melodic lines that convey the beauty and purity of the saints. The third movement is a lively and rhythmic setting of the text, "Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto." The music is characterized by its driving rhythms and intricate counterpoint, which convey the exultant mood of the text. The final movement is a grand and majestic setting of the text, "Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen." The music is characterized by its rich harmonies and soaring melodic lines, which convey the eternal nature of the text. Overall, Felix namque (I) is a masterful example of Tallis's skill as a composer of sacred choral music. The piece showcases his ability to create music that is both expressive and technically complex, and demonstrates his deep understanding of the liturgical texts that he set to music.

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