Composer

:

William Byrd

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

6:13

"Domine, tu jurasti" is a sacred choral work composed by William Byrd, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1590, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It is a motet, a type of choral composition that sets a sacred text to music. The piece is in Latin and is based on Psalm 132, which speaks of the Lord's promise to David to establish his throne forever. The text is divided into three sections, each with its own musical treatment. The first section is a solemn and majestic setting of the opening words, "Domine, tu jurasti," which means "Lord, you have sworn." The second section is more lively and joyful, reflecting the promise of God's blessings to David and his descendants. The final section returns to the solemn mood of the opening, with a prayer for God's continued faithfulness to his promise. The piece is written for four voices, with the soprano and alto parts often singing in close harmony, and the tenor and bass parts providing a solid foundation. Byrd's use of harmony and counterpoint is masterful, with each voice part weaving in and out of the others to create a rich and complex texture. The piece is also notable for its use of word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text. For example, the word "jurasti" is set to a long, sustained note, emphasizing the solemnity of the oath. "Domine, tu jurasti" was likely composed for use in the Anglican Church, where Byrd was a prominent musician. It is a fine example of his skill as a composer of sacred music, and remains a popular piece in the choral repertoire today.

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