Composer

:

Thomas Weelkes

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Publication Date

:

1966

Average_duration

:

2:48

Thomas Weelkes was an English composer who lived from 1576 to 1623. He was a contemporary of William Byrd and Orlando Gibbons, and was known for his contributions to the English madrigal genre. One of his most famous works is "Alleluia, I heard a voice," which was composed in the early 17th century. The piece is a five-part madrigal, which means that it is written for five voices: two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. It is set to a text by John Donne, which describes the experience of hearing the voice of God. The piece is characterized by its lively rhythms, intricate harmonies, and expressive use of word painting. "Alleluia, I heard a voice" was likely composed in the early 1600s, although the exact date is unknown. It was first published in Weelkes' collection of madrigals, "Madrigals to 3, 4, 5, and 6 Voices," which was printed in London in 1600. The piece quickly became popular and was performed frequently in England during the early 17th century. The madrigal is divided into three movements, each of which has its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Allegro," and features a lively, dance-like rhythm. The voices enter one by one, building to a full five-part texture. The second movement is marked "Adagio," and is more contemplative in character. The voices sing in close harmony, creating a sense of intimacy and introspection. The final movement is marked "Allegro," and returns to the lively, dance-like rhythm of the first movement. The voices sing in joyful harmony, celebrating the experience of hearing the voice of God. Overall, "Alleluia, I heard a voice" is a masterful example of the English madrigal genre. It showcases Weelkes' skill as a composer, as well as his ability to set text in a way that is both expressive and musically interesting. The piece remains popular today and is frequently performed by choirs around the world.

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