Composer

:

Johannes Eccard

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

3:10

"When to the temple Mary went" is a sacred choral work composed by Johannes Eccard, a German composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the early 17th century, and it is believed to have been premiered in 1608. The work is written for four voices, and it is structured in four movements. The first movement is a soprano solo, which sets the scene for the story of Mary's visit to the temple. The second movement is a duet for alto and tenor, which describes the encounter between Mary and Simeon, the prophet who recognizes Jesus as the Messiah. The third movement is a trio for alto, tenor, and bass, which reflects on the significance of the event. The final movement is a four-part chorus, which concludes the piece with a joyful expression of praise and thanksgiving. The characteristics of "When to the temple Mary went" reflect the style of the late Renaissance period. The work is characterized by its polyphonic texture, with each voice part contributing to the overall harmony and melody. The vocal lines are often imitative, with one voice echoing the melody of another. The harmonies are rich and complex, with frequent use of suspensions and dissonances to create tension and release. The rhythms are generally simple and regular, with occasional syncopations to add interest. Overall, "When to the temple Mary went" is a beautiful and expressive choral work that captures the spirit of the Christmas season. Its rich harmonies and intricate vocal lines make it a challenging and rewarding piece for choirs to perform, and its timeless message of hope and joy continues to resonate with audiences today.

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