Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1603

Average_duration

:

2:29

'Ne derelinquas me, W. 9/69' is a sacred motet composed by Carlo Gesualdo, an Italian composer and nobleman of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1590, and was likely premiered in Gesualdo's private chapel in his castle in Naples. The motet is written for five voices, with two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. It is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being in triple meter and the second movement in duple meter. The text is taken from Psalm 38:21-22, which reads "Forsake me not, O Lord; O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation." The first movement begins with a homophonic texture, with all voices singing the same rhythm and melody. The second half of the movement features imitative polyphony, with the voices entering one by one in imitation of each other. The second movement is more complex, with frequent changes in meter and a greater use of dissonance. The third movement returns to a homophonic texture, with the voices singing in unison for much of the piece. Characteristic of Gesualdo's style, 'Ne derelinquas me' features frequent use of chromaticism and dissonance, which was highly unusual for the time period. Gesualdo was known for his highly expressive and emotional music, and this motet is no exception. The text is set with great sensitivity, with the music reflecting the desperation and urgency of the psalmist's plea for help. Overall, 'Ne derelinquas me, W. 9/69' is a powerful and moving sacred motet that showcases Gesualdo's unique compositional style and emotional depth.

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