Composer

:

Jean Roger-Ducasse

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1912

Average_duration

:

12:30

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Jean Roger-Ducasse was a French composer who lived from 1873 to 1954. He was a student of Gabriel Fauré and was heavily influenced by the impressionist movement in music. One of his most notable works is his set of three motets, which were composed in 1924. The motets were premiered on May 25, 1924, at the Église de la Sainte-Trinité in Paris. They were performed by the choir of the church, under the direction of Charles Quef. The motets are written for four-part mixed choir and are based on religious texts. The first motet, "O Salutaris Hostia," is a setting of a hymn traditionally sung during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The piece begins with a simple, chant-like melody in the soprano and alto voices, which is then joined by the tenor and bass voices. The harmonies are lush and impressionistic, with a focus on rich, colorful chords. The second motet, "Ave Verum Corpus," is a setting of a Eucharistic hymn. The piece begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the soprano and alto voices, which is then joined by the tenor and bass voices. The harmonies are again lush and impressionistic, with a focus on rich, colorful chords. The piece ends with a quiet, peaceful cadence. The third motet, "Tantum Ergo," is a setting of a hymn traditionally sung during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The piece begins with a simple, chant-like melody in the soprano and alto voices, which is then joined by the tenor and bass voices. The harmonies are again lush and impressionistic, with a focus on rich, colorful chords. The piece ends with a triumphant, majestic cadence. Overall, the motets are characterized by their lush harmonies, impressionistic style, and focus on religious texts. They are a beautiful example of Roger-Ducasse's unique musical voice and his ability to create works that are both deeply spiritual and musically rich.

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