Composer

:

Domenico Scarlatti

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

12:21

Miserere is a sacred choral work composed by Domenico Scarlatti in the early 18th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written during Scarlatti's time as the maestro di cappella at the Cappella Giulia in Rome, between 1713 and 1717. The piece was first performed during Holy Week in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and it quickly became one of Scarlatti's most famous works. Miserere is divided into nine movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Latin text of Psalm 51. The piece is scored for four-part choir, with occasional solo passages for the soprano and alto voices. The movements are arranged in a symmetrical pattern, with the first and last movements being identical, the second and eighth movements being similar in character, and the third and seventh movements being a pair of contrasting duets. The overall character of Miserere is one of intense emotion and spiritual fervor. Scarlatti's use of chromaticism and dissonance creates a sense of tension and urgency throughout the piece, while the frequent use of suspensions and unresolved harmonies adds to the sense of longing and supplication. The solo passages, particularly those for the soprano voice, are marked by soaring melodic lines and virtuosic ornamentation, which serve to heighten the emotional impact of the text. Despite its popularity, Miserere fell out of favor in the 19th century and was largely forgotten until the 20th century, when it was rediscovered and championed by choral conductors and musicologists. Today, it is considered one of Scarlatti's most important works, and it continues to be performed and recorded by choirs around the world.

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