Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

ca. 1592

Average_duration

:

2:56

'O come è gran martire' is a sacred vocal composition by Claudio Monteverdi, which was included in his third book of madrigals, published in 1592. The piece is a setting of a text by Giovanni Battista Guarini, which describes the suffering of the Virgin Mary at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The composition is written for five voices, with two sopranos, two tenors, and a bass. It is structured in three sections, with the first and third sections being in triple meter and the middle section in duple meter. The piece begins with a homophonic section, in which all voices sing together in a chordal texture. This section is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and anguish. The middle section of the piece is more contrapuntal, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex web of polyphony. This section is marked by its use of imitative counterpoint, in which one voice introduces a melody that is then imitated by the other voices. The middle section also features a number of expressive dissonances, which serve to heighten the emotional intensity of the text. The final section of the piece returns to the homophonic texture of the opening, but with a more subdued character. The voices sing in a more restrained manner, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The final chord of the piece is a major chord, which provides a sense of resolution and closure after the intense emotional journey of the preceding sections. 'O come è gran martire' is a prime example of Monteverdi's early style, which is characterized by its use of chromaticism, dissonance, and expressive text setting. The piece demonstrates Monteverdi's ability to create a powerful emotional impact through the use of musical techniques, and it remains a beloved work in the sacred vocal repertoire.

More....