Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

ca. 1640

Average_duration

:

6:12

'Ab aeterno ordinata sum, SV 262' is a sacred motet composed by Claudio Monteverdi, an Italian composer of the Baroque era. The piece was composed in the early 17th century, and its premiere date is unknown. The motet is written for five voices, and it is a part of Monteverdi's collection of sacred music, Selva morale e spirituale. The motet is divided into two movements, with the first movement being in the key of G minor and the second movement in the key of G major. The first movement is marked by a slow and solemn tempo, with the voices singing in a homophonic texture. The second movement is faster and more lively, with the voices singing in a polyphonic texture. The text of the motet is taken from the Book of Sirach, and it speaks of the eternal wisdom of God. The text is set to music in a way that emphasizes the grandeur and majesty of God, with the voices soaring and intertwining in a way that creates a sense of awe and reverence. One of the characteristics of Monteverdi's music is his use of dissonance and chromaticism, which adds a sense of tension and drama to the music. This is evident in 'Ab aeterno ordinata sum', particularly in the first movement, where the voices frequently clash and resolve in unexpected ways. Overall, 'Ab aeterno ordinata sum, SV 262' is a powerful and moving piece of sacred music that showcases Monteverdi's skill as a composer. Its grandeur and majesty make it a fitting tribute to the eternal wisdom of God.

More....