Composer

:

Giaches de Wert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Part Song

Compose Date

:

1581

Average_duration

:

4:41

"Ascendente Jesu in Naviculam" is a sacred motet composed by Giaches de Wert, an Italian composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century and was first performed in Mantua, Italy. The motet is written for six voices, with two sopranos, alto, two tenors, 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 first movement begins with a lively and joyful melody, with the voices imitating each other in a call-and-response style. The text of the movement describes the disciples' journey on a boat with Jesus, who calms the storm and saves them from danger. The music reflects the text, with the voices rising and falling like waves and the harmonies shifting from tense to peaceful as the storm subsides. The second movement is more introspective, with the voices singing in a homophonic texture. The text describes the disciples' fear and doubt as they witness Jesus walking on water. The music reflects this uncertainty, with the harmonies shifting between major and minor modes and the voices singing in a more subdued manner. The third movement returns to the joyful mood of the first movement, with the voices singing in a lively and celebratory style. The text describes the disciples' amazement and wonder as they witness Jesus' power over nature. The music reflects this awe, with the voices rising and falling in a grandiose manner and the harmonies shifting between major and minor modes. Overall, "Ascendente Jesu in Naviculam" is a masterful example of Renaissance sacred music, with its intricate polyphony, expressive harmonies, and vivid depiction of the text. It showcases de Wert's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

More....