Composer

:

Adrian Willaert

Genre

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1539

Average_duration

:

6:25

Adrian Willaert was a Flemish composer who lived from 1490 to 1562. He was one of the most important composers of the Renaissance period, and his music was highly influential in the development of the polyphonic style that dominated European music during this time. One of his most famous works is the motet "In illo tempore stabant," which is part of his "Mottetti libro secondo." The "Mottetti libro secondo" was published in 1545 and contains a collection of motets for four voices. "In illo tempore stabant" is one of the most famous pieces in the collection and is a setting of the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verses 3-11. The text tells the story of the woman caught in adultery and the response of Jesus to her accusers. The motet is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different section of the text. The first movement is a setting of the opening verses of the Gospel, which describe the scene of the woman being brought before Jesus. The music is slow and contemplative, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex polyphonic texture. The second movement is a setting of Jesus' response to the accusers, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." The music is more lively and rhythmic, with the voices imitating each other in a call-and-response pattern. The final movement is a setting of the conclusion of the story, in which Jesus tells the woman to go and sin no more. The music is slow and peaceful, with the voices coming together in a harmonious blend. Overall, "In illo tempore stabant" is a beautiful example of Renaissance polyphony, with its complex interweaving of voices and intricate harmonies. It is a testament to Willaert's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically impressive and emotionally moving.

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