Composer

:

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1584

Average_duration

:

5:06

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina's 'Ad te levavi' is a motet for four voices, which was composed in the late 16th century. The piece is part of Palestrina's second book of motets, which was published in 1572. The premiere of the piece is not known, but it was likely performed in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, where Palestrina worked as a composer and singer. The motet is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text from the liturgy of the Advent season. The first movement is based on the text "Ad te levavi animam meam" (To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul), which is the introit for the first Sunday of Advent. The second movement is based on the text "Jerusalem, surge et sta in excelso" (Jerusalem, arise and stand on high), which is the offertory for the second Sunday of Advent. The third movement is based on the text "Gaudete in Domino semper" (Rejoice in the Lord always), which is the introit for the third Sunday of Advent. The characteristics of 'Ad te levavi' are typical of Palestrina's style. The piece is characterized by its smooth and flowing polyphony, which is achieved through the use of imitative counterpoint. The voices are treated equally, with no one voice dominating the others. The harmony is simple and diatonic, with no chromaticism or dissonance. The text is set in a clear and transparent manner, with the words being easily understood by the listener. Overall, 'Ad te levavi' is a beautiful and expressive piece of music that captures the spirit of the Advent season. Its timeless beauty and simplicity have made it a favorite of choirs and audiences alike for over four centuries.

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