Composer

:

Orlande de Lassus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1590

Average_duration

:

2:33

'Omnes de Saba venient' is a motet composed by Orlande de Lassus, a prominent composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in 1577 and premiered in Munich, Germany. It is part of Lassus' Magnum Opus, a collection of 516 motets that he composed throughout his career. 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 text is taken from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 60, verses 6-7, and describes the arrival of the Magi to worship the newborn Jesus. The first movement begins with a lively and joyful melody sung by the sopranos, followed by the other voices joining in with a homophonic texture. The second movement is more contemplative, with a slower tempo and a more complex polyphonic texture. The third movement returns to the joyful mood of the first movement, with a lively and rhythmic melody that builds to a grand finale. Lassus' use of chromaticism and dissonance in the motet is characteristic of his style, and adds to the emotional intensity of the piece. The use of imitative counterpoint and the alternation between homophonic and polyphonic textures also demonstrate Lassus' mastery of Renaissance compositional techniques. Overall, 'Omnes de Saba venient' is a beautiful and expressive motet that showcases Lassus' skill as a composer. Its joyful and celebratory mood makes it a popular choice for Christmas and Epiphany services.

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