Composer

:

John Browne

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

9:30

'Jesu, Mercy, How May This Be?' is a choral work composed by John Browne, an English composer of the Renaissance period. The piece was likely composed in the early 16th century, during the reign of King Henry VIII. It is believed to have been premiered at the Chapel Royal, where Browne was a member of the choir. The work is a setting of a devotional text, which reflects on the mystery of Christ's incarnation and the wonder of God's mercy. The text is divided into three stanzas, each of which is set to a different musical section. The first stanza begins with the words "Jesu, mercy, how may this be?", and is set to a slow and contemplative melody. The second stanza, which begins "O Lord, thy mercy is all my trust", is set to a more lively and rhythmic section, with the choir singing in a joyful and celebratory manner. The final stanza, which begins "O Lord, in thee is all my trust", returns to the slower and more contemplative style of the opening section. The work is notable for its use of complex polyphony, with multiple vocal lines weaving in and out of each other to create a rich and intricate texture. Browne also employs a variety of musical techniques, such as imitation, inversion, and augmentation, to create a sense of unity and coherence throughout the piece. The work is also characterized by its use of dissonance, which adds a sense of tension and drama to the music. Overall, 'Jesu, Mercy, How May This Be?' is a beautiful and moving work that reflects the religious and musical traditions of the Renaissance period. Its complex polyphony and use of dissonance make it a challenging piece for choirs to perform, but also a rewarding one for those who are able to master its intricacies.

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