Composer

:

Codex Calixtinus Anonymous

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Chant

Average_duration

:

1:31

Psallat chorus celestium is a medieval hymn composed by an anonymous composer, found in the Codex Calixtinus, a 12th-century manuscript containing a collection of music and liturgical texts associated with the pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The hymn is believed to have been composed in the 11th century and is dedicated to St. James. The hymn is written in Latin and is divided into three movements. The first movement is a joyful and celebratory introduction, with the choir singing "Psallat chorus celestium" (Let the heavenly choir sing). The second movement is a prayer to St. James, asking for his intercession and protection. The third movement is a triumphant conclusion, with the choir singing "Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto" (Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit). The hymn is characterized by its use of polyphony, with multiple voices singing different melodies simultaneously. The use of polyphony was a significant development in medieval music, and the Codex Calixtinus is one of the earliest sources of polyphonic music in Western Europe. The hymn also features a call-and-response structure, with the choir alternating between singing the main melody and responding to it with a repeated phrase. Psallat chorus celestium was likely performed during the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, which was one of the most important religious pilgrimages in medieval Europe. The pilgrimage attracted thousands of pilgrims each year, and the music and liturgy associated with it played a significant role in shaping the development of Western music. The exact date of composition and premiere of Psallat chorus celestium is unknown, but it is believed to have been composed in the 11th century and would have been performed during the medieval period. The hymn remains an important piece of medieval music and is still performed today by choirs and ensembles around the world.

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