Composer

:

Orlande de Lassus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1585

Average_duration

:

2:01

Exaudi Deus orationem meam, M. xiv (S. iii/20) is a sacred motet composed by Orlande de Lassus, a prominent composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century and was first performed in Munich, Germany. The motet is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is a setting of Psalm 54, "Exaudi Deus orationem meam," which translates to "Hear my prayer, O God." The text is sung in Latin and is set to a polyphonic texture, with multiple voices singing different lines of text simultaneously. The music is characterized by its rich harmonies and expressive melodies, which convey the emotional intensity of the text. The second movement is a setting of the Gloria Patri, a doxology that is often added to the end of psalms and other sacred texts. The music is more subdued than the first movement, with a simpler texture and a focus on the text. The harmonies are still rich, but the melodies are more restrained, reflecting the more contemplative nature of the text. The final movement is a setting of the Sicut erat in principio, another doxology that is often added to the end of psalms and other sacred texts. The music is more lively than the second movement, with a faster tempo and more complex rhythms. The harmonies are still rich, but the melodies are more playful, reflecting the joyful nature of the text. Overall, Exaudi Deus orationem meam, M. xiv (S. iii/20) is a powerful and expressive motet that showcases Lassus's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and complex textures, which convey the emotional intensity of the text.

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