Composer

:

Orazio Tarditi

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1650

Average_duration

:

4:49

Nisi Dominus (Psalm 4) is a sacred choral work composed by Orazio Tarditi, an Italian composer of the Baroque era. The piece was composed in the early 17th century, and its premiere date is unknown. The work is divided into six movements, each of which is based on a different section of Psalm 4. The first movement is a setting of the opening verses of the psalm, and features a solo voice accompanied by a small ensemble. The second movement is a duet for two sopranos, which sets the words "Cum invocarem" ("When I called upon him"). The third movement is a setting of the words "In pace" ("In peace"), and features a solo voice accompanied by a string ensemble. The fourth movement is a setting of the words "Sacrificate sacrificium" ("Offer the sacrifice"), and features a solo voice accompanied by a small ensemble. The fifth movement is a duet for two sopranos, which sets the words "Multum sicut" ("Many say"). The final movement is a setting of the closing verses of the psalm, and features a solo voice accompanied by a small ensemble. The characteristics of Nisi Dominus (Psalm 4) are typical of Baroque sacred music. The work features a variety of vocal and instrumental textures, with solo voices and small ensembles alternating with full choral sections. The music is highly expressive, with frequent use of ornamentation and dramatic contrasts in dynamics and tempo. The text is set in a clear and straightforward manner, with the music serving to enhance the meaning and emotion of the words. Overall, Nisi Dominus (Psalm 4) is a beautiful and powerful example of Baroque sacred music, and a testament to Tarditi's skill as a composer.

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