Composer

:

Orlande de Lassus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1584

Average_duration

:

20:54

Orlande de Lassus, also known as Roland de Lassus, was a prominent composer of the Renaissance period. He was born in Mons, Belgium in 1532 and died in Munich, Germany in 1594. One of his most famous works is the 'Miserere mei Deus', a setting of Psalm 51. The 'Miserere mei Deus' was composed in 1584 and premiered in Munich, Germany. It is a sacred choral work that is divided into nine movements. The text is in Latin and is based on Psalm 51, which is a penitential psalm. The work is written for five voices, with two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. The first movement begins with a solemn and mournful tone, with the choir singing the words "Miserere mei Deus" (Have mercy on me, O God). The second movement is a duet between the two sopranos, with the rest of the choir providing a background of harmonies. The third movement is a solo for the alto voice, which is followed by a duet between the alto and tenor voices in the fourth movement. The fifth movement is a solo for the bass voice, which is followed by a duet between the bass and tenor voices in the sixth movement. The seventh movement is a quartet for the four lower voices, with the sopranos providing a background of harmonies. The eighth movement is a solo for the tenor voice, which is followed by the final movement, a full choir setting of the text "Gloria Patri" (Glory be to the Father). The 'Miserere mei Deus' is characterized by its use of polyphony, which is the combination of multiple voices or melodies. Lassus uses this technique to create a rich and complex texture, with each voice contributing to the overall sound. The work also features a variety of vocal techniques, including melismatic singing, where a single syllable is sung over multiple notes, and homophonic singing, where all voices sing the same melody at the same time. Overall, the 'Miserere mei Deus' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Lassus' skill as a composer. Its use of polyphony and vocal techniques make it a masterpiece of Renaissance choral music.

More....