Composer

:

Giacomo Carissimi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1649

Publication Date

:

1972

Average_duration

:

15:39

Giacomo Carissimi was an Italian composer of the Baroque era, known for his sacred music. One of his most famous works is "Exultabunt justi," a motet for five voices and continuo. The piece was composed in the mid-17th century, during Carissimi's time as maestro di cappella at the church of Sant'Apollinare in Rome. It was likely written for performance during the liturgy, as was common for sacred music of the time. "Exultabunt justi" is divided into three movements. The first is a lively and joyful opening section, featuring imitative polyphony and frequent use of suspensions. The second movement is a slower, more contemplative section, with a homophonic texture and a focus on the text "et in memoria aeterna erit justus" ("and the just shall be in everlasting remembrance"). The final movement returns to the joyful mood of the opening, with a lively fugue and a triumphant conclusion. One of the most notable characteristics of "Exultabunt justi" is its use of word painting. Carissimi frequently uses musical gestures to illustrate the meaning of the text, such as descending lines on the word "humiliabitur" ("shall be humbled") and ascending lines on the word "exaltabitur" ("shall be exalted"). This technique was common in Baroque music, and Carissimi was a master of it. Overall, "Exultabunt justi" is a beautiful and uplifting piece of sacred music, showcasing Carissimi's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the liturgy. Its joyful mood and intricate polyphony make it a favorite among choral groups and audiences alike.

More....