Composer

:

Orlande de Lassus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1568

Average_duration

:

4:22

In monte Oliveti, M. vi (S. xi/187) is a sacred choral work composed by Orlande de Lassus, a prominent composer of the Renaissance period. The piece is a setting of the Latin text of the same name, which describes the events that took place on the Mount of Olives during the Passion of Christ. The composition date of In monte Oliveti is uncertain, but it is believed to have been written in the late 1560s or early 1570s. The piece was likely composed for performance during Holy Week, as it is a part of the Tenebrae service, which is a series of liturgical services that take place during the last three days of Holy Week. In monte Oliveti is a four-part choral work that is divided into three movements. The first movement is a setting of the opening lines of the text, which describe Christ's journey to the Mount of Olives. The second movement is a setting of the central section of the text, which describes Christ's prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. The third movement is a setting of the final lines of the text, which describe Christ's arrest and betrayal. The characteristics of In monte Oliveti reflect Lassus's mastery of Renaissance polyphony. The piece features rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive dissonances that convey the emotional intensity of the text. Lassus also employs a variety of musical techniques, such as imitation, homophony, and antiphony, to create a sense of drama and tension throughout the work. Overall, In monte Oliveti is a powerful and moving work that captures the solemnity and pathos of the Passion of Christ. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Lassus's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to the human spirit across the centuries.

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