Composer

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Gregorian Chant

Genre

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Choral

Style

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Choral

Average_duration

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1:03

'O Adonái' is a Gregorian Chant that is part of the O Antiphons, a series of seven antiphons that are sung during the week leading up to Christmas Eve. The O Antiphons are believed to have originated in the 8th century and are based on Old Testament prophecies of the coming of the Messiah. 'O Adonái' is the second antiphon in the series and is traditionally sung on December 18th. The text of the antiphon is based on Isaiah 11:4-5 and 33:22, which describe the Messiah as a ruler who will bring justice and righteousness to the world. The chant is composed in a mode known as Mode 2, which is characterized by a descending melody and a range of a fifth. The melody is simple and chant-like, with a steady rhythm and no discernible meter. The text is sung in Latin and is divided into two phrases, each of which is repeated. The first phrase of the antiphon begins with the words "O Adonái, et Dux domus Israel," which translate to "O Lord and Ruler of the house of Israel." The melody begins on the note D and descends to the note A, before rising back up to D. The second phrase begins with the words "qui Moysi in igne flammae," which translate to "who appeared to Moses in the burning bush." The melody begins on the note G and descends to the note D, before rising back up to G. Overall, 'O Adonái' is a simple and solemn chant that reflects the anticipation and longing for the coming of the Messiah. Its use of Old Testament imagery and references to Moses and the burning bush serve to connect the coming of Christ with the history and traditions of the Jewish people.

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