Composer

:

Jacobus de Kerle

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1571

Average_duration

:

5:41

Media Vita is a choral work composed by Jacobus de Kerle, a Flemish composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1570, and was premiered in Vienna, Austria. It is a six-part motet, which means that it is written for six voices, and is based on a Latin text that speaks of the fragility of human life and the hope of eternal life. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a sense of foreboding and sadness. The second movement is more lively and energetic, with a sense of urgency and hope. The final movement is slow and contemplative, with a sense of peace and acceptance. The text of the piece is taken from a medieval hymn, which speaks of the difficulties and challenges of life, and the hope of salvation. The music reflects the text, with its shifting moods and emotions, and its use of complex harmonies and counterpoint. One of the most striking characteristics of Media Vita is its use of chromaticism, which is the use of notes outside of the traditional diatonic scale. This gives the piece a sense of tension and instability, which reflects the uncertainty and fragility of human life. Overall, Media Vita is a powerful and moving work, which speaks to the human condition and the hope of eternal life. Its complex harmonies and shifting moods make it a challenging and rewarding piece for both performers and listeners.

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