Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1603

Average_duration

:

2:27

Carlo Gesualdo, Prince of Venosa, was an Italian composer of the late Renaissance period. He is known for his highly expressive and chromatic music, which was ahead of its time and anticipated many features of Baroque music. One of his most famous works is "Discedite a me omnes," a sacred motet for five voices. The composition of "Discedite a me omnes" is dated to around 1600, when Gesualdo was in his mid-thirties. It is part of a collection of sacred music that he published in 1603, entitled "Sacrae Cantiones." The premiere of the work is not known, but it was likely performed in the chapel of Gesualdo's palace in Naples, where he was living at the time. "Discedite a me omnes" is a motet in Latin, based on a text from the Gospel of Matthew (26:31). The text is a quotation from Jesus, who tells his disciples to "scatter" and leave him alone, as he is about to be arrested and crucified. Gesualdo's setting of the text is highly expressive and dramatic, reflecting the intense emotions of the scene. The motet is divided into three movements, each with its own character and mood. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a descending chromatic melody that expresses the sadness and despair of Jesus. The second movement is faster and more agitated, with overlapping voices that create a sense of confusion and chaos. The third movement is slower again, with a more peaceful and resigned tone, as Jesus accepts his fate and prepares for his death. The characteristics of "Discedite a me omnes" are typical of Gesualdo's style, which is characterized by its use of chromaticism, dissonance, and unconventional harmonies. Gesualdo was known for his bold and experimental approach to music, which often pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in his time. "Discedite a me omnes" is a prime example of this, with its complex and highly expressive music that anticipates the Baroque period that was to come.

More....