Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

ca. 1650

Average_duration

:

6:00

Claudio Monteverdi's 'Laudate, pueri, Dominum' is a motet for five voices that was composed as part of his larger work, 'Messa a quatro voci, et Salmi', SV 196. The piece was likely composed in the early 1630s, during Monteverdi's time as maestro di cappella at the Basilica di San Marco in Venice. The motet is divided into six movements, each of which sets a different section of Psalm 113. The first movement, 'Laudate, pueri, Dominum', is a joyful and exuberant setting of the opening verses of the psalm. The second movement, 'Sit nomen Domini', is a more subdued and contemplative setting of the next few verses. The third movement, 'A solis ortu', is a lively and rhythmic setting of the verse that speaks of the Lord's greatness from the rising of the sun to its setting. The fourth movement, 'Excelsus super omnes', is a grand and majestic setting of the verse that speaks of the Lord's greatness above all other gods. The fifth movement, 'Qui habitare facit', is a gentle and peaceful setting of the verse that speaks of the Lord's care for the poor and needy. The final movement, 'Laudate Dominum', is a triumphant and celebratory setting of the closing verses of the psalm. Throughout the motet, Monteverdi employs a variety of musical techniques to convey the meaning and emotion of the text. He uses lively rhythms and bright harmonies to convey the joy and exuberance of the opening verses, while more subdued and contemplative harmonies are used in the second movement to convey a sense of introspection and reflection. In the fourth movement, Monteverdi employs grand and majestic harmonies to convey the sense of the Lord's greatness, while in the fifth movement, he uses gentle and peaceful harmonies to convey the sense of the Lord's care for the poor and needy. Throughout the motet, Monteverdi also employs a variety of vocal textures and techniques, including solo passages, duets, and full choral sections, to create a rich and varied musical tapestry. Overall, 'Laudate, pueri, Dominum' is a masterful example of Monteverdi's skill as a composer, and a testament to his ability to convey the meaning and emotion of a text through music. Its premiere date is unknown.

More....