Composer

:

John Browne

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

13:56

'O Maria Salvatoris Mater' is a sacred choral work composed by John Browne, an English composer of the Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the early 16th century, during the reign of King Henry VIII. It is believed to have been written for the Chapel Royal, where Browne was a member of the choir. The work is in four movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement is a setting of the antiphon 'O Maria Salvatoris Mater', which is a prayer to the Virgin Mary. The second movement is a setting of the hymn 'Ave Regina caelorum', which is also dedicated to Mary. The third movement is a setting of the antiphon 'Regina caeli laetare', which is a hymn of praise to Mary. The final movement is a setting of the antiphon 'Salve Regina', which is another prayer to Mary. The characteristics of Browne's 'O Maria Salvatoris Mater' are typical of the Renaissance period. The work is written for a four-part choir, with each part singing different lines of music. The music is polyphonic, meaning that each part has its own melody and rhythm, but they all fit together to create a harmonious whole. The harmonies are often complex, with dissonances and suspensions adding tension and interest to the music. Browne's use of word painting is also notable in 'O Maria Salvatoris Mater'. Word painting is a technique where the music reflects the meaning of the words being sung. For example, in the second movement, the word 'gaudium' (joy) is set to a lively and joyful melody, while the word 'plangere' (to weep) is set to a mournful and melancholy melody. Overall, 'O Maria Salvatoris Mater' is a beautiful and complex work of sacred choral music. Its intricate harmonies and use of word painting make it a masterpiece of the Renaissance period. The piece has been performed and recorded by many choirs over the years, and it remains a beloved work of sacred music to this day.

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