Composer

:

Heinrich Isaac

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1492

Average_duration

:

6:22

Heinrich Isaac's 'Quis dabit capiti meo acquam' is a sacred motet composed in the late 15th century. The piece is believed to have been written during Isaac's tenure as a court musician in Florence, Italy, between 1485 and 1497. The motet is written for four voices, with the text taken from the Book of Lamentations in the Old Testament. The piece is structured in three movements, with each movement featuring a different text from the Book of Lamentations. The first movement begins with the text "Quis dabit capiti meo aquam" ("Who will give water to my head?"), which is a lamentation of the destruction of Jerusalem. The second movement features the text "Recordare, Domine" ("Remember, Lord"), which is a plea for mercy and forgiveness. The final movement features the text "Jerusalem, surge" ("Jerusalem, arise"), which is a call to action for the people of Jerusalem to rebuild their city. The motet is characterized by its use of polyphony, with each voice singing a different melody that combines to create a rich and complex texture. The piece also features frequent use of imitation, where one voice will repeat a melody that has just been sung by another voice. This creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the piece. Isaac's 'Quis dabit capiti meo acquam' premiered in the late 15th century, likely in Florence, Italy. The piece has since become a staple of the sacred choral repertoire and is still performed and studied today. Its use of polyphony and imitation have made it a favorite among choral composers and performers, and its powerful text continues to resonate with audiences centuries after its composition.

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