Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

ca. 1610

Average_duration

:

8:41

'Audi, coelum, verba mea' is a sacred motet composed by Claudio Monteverdi as a part of his monumental work 'Vespro della Beata Vergine', also known as 'Vespers of 1610'. The piece was composed in 1610 and premiered in the same year in the Basilica of San Marco in Venice. The motet is divided into two movements, with the first movement being a solo for soprano and the second movement being a duet for soprano and tenor. The text of the motet is taken from Psalm 18:14-15 and is a prayer to God for salvation and protection. The first movement, 'Audi, coelum', is a solo for soprano accompanied by a basso continuo. The piece begins with a simple and plaintive melody, with the soprano singing the text "Audi, coelum, verba mea, plena desiderio et perfusio doloris mei" (Hear, O heavens, my words, full of longing and suffused with my sorrow). The melody gradually becomes more complex and ornamented as the soprano expresses her desperation and anguish. The second movement, 'Judicabit in nationibus', is a duet for soprano and tenor accompanied by a basso continuo and two violins. The piece begins with a lively and rhythmic instrumental introduction, followed by the soprano and tenor singing the text "Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas, conquassabit capita in terra multorum" (He shall judge among the nations, he shall fill the ruins, he shall crush the heads in the land of many). The duet is characterized by its lively and energetic rhythm, with the two voices intertwining and complementing each other. Overall, 'Audi, coelum, verba mea' is a powerful and emotional piece that showcases Monteverdi's mastery of both vocal and instrumental music. The motet is characterized by its expressive melodies, complex harmonies, and intricate ornamentation, and is a testament to Monteverdi's status as one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era.

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