Composer

:

Walter Frye

Genre

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Vocal

Style

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Part Song

Average_duration

:

2:41

Walter Frye was a renowned English composer of the late medieval period. He is known for his contribution to the development of the cantus firmus technique, which involves using a pre-existing melody as the basis for a new composition. One of his most famous works is "So ys emprinted," a four-part motet that showcases his mastery of this technique. "So ys emprinted" was composed in the early 15th century, during the reign of King Henry V. It is believed to have been written for the Chapel Royal, where Frye was a member of the choir. The piece is written in the style of the Ars Nova, a musical movement that emerged in France in the 14th century and was characterized by complex rhythms and harmonies. The motet is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different cantus melody. The first movement uses the melody of "So ys emprinted," a popular English song of the time. The second movement is based on the melody of "L'homme armé," a French song that was frequently used as a cantus firmus in medieval music. The third movement uses the melody of "Flos regalis," a hymn that was often sung during the coronation of English monarchs. The final movement is based on the melody of "Sanctus," a section of the Catholic Mass. Each movement of "So ys emprinted" showcases Frye's skill at weaving together multiple melodies into a cohesive whole. The voices move in intricate counterpoint, with each part contributing to the overall texture of the piece. The harmonies are rich and complex, with unexpected chord progressions and dissonances that create a sense of tension and release. Overall, "So ys emprinted" is a masterpiece of medieval music, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of Walter Frye. Its use of multiple cantus melodies and complex harmonies make it a challenging but rewarding piece for performers and listeners alike.

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