Composer

:

Notre Dame School Anonymous

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

2:39

'A la clarté qui tout enlumina/Et illumina(re)' is a medieval chant composed by an anonymous composer from the Notre Dame School. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the 12th or 13th century. The chant is a part of the liturgical music of the Catholic Church and is often performed during the Easter season. The chant is divided into two movements, 'A la clarté qui tout enlumina' and 'Et illumina(re)'. The first movement is a hymn of praise to Christ, who is described as the light that illuminates the world. The lyrics of the hymn are in French and are written in the form of a dialogue between the choir and the soloist. The choir sings the refrain 'A la clarté qui tout enlumina' while the soloist responds with verses that describe the glory of Christ. The second movement, 'Et illumina(re)', is a continuation of the first movement and is sung in Latin. The lyrics of the movement describe the resurrection of Christ and the triumph of light over darkness. The choir sings the refrain 'Et illumina(re)' while the soloist responds with verses that describe the joy and hope that come with the resurrection. The characteristics of 'A la clarté qui tout enlumina/Et illumina(re)' are typical of the music of the Notre Dame School. The chant is characterized by its use of modal melodies, which are based on a system of scales that were used in medieval music. The chant also features a complex rhythmic structure, with multiple voices singing different rhythms at the same time. The use of polyphony, or multiple voices singing different melodies at the same time, is also a hallmark of the music of the Notre Dame School. Overall, 'A la clarté qui tout enlumina/Et illumina(re)' is a beautiful and complex piece of medieval music that continues to be performed and appreciated today. Its use of modal melodies, complex rhythms, and polyphony make it a prime example of the music of the Notre Dame School.

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