Composer

:

Alonso Lobo

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1598

Publication Date

:

1602

First Performance

:

Oct 19, 1598

Average_duration

:

4:46

"Versa est in Luctum" is a six-voice motet composed by Alonso Lobo, a Spanish composer of the Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1590, and was premiered in the Royal Chapel of Madrid, where Lobo served as a musician. The motet is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement is a mournful and somber setting of the text "Versa est in luctum cithara mea" (My harp is turned to mourning), which is taken from the Book of Job in the Old Testament. The music is characterized by slow, mournful melodies, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex and intricate polyphonic texture. The second movement is a more lively and rhythmic setting of the text "Quis dabit capiti meo aquam" (Who will give water to my head?), which is also taken from the Book of Job. The music is characterized by a lively and dance-like rhythm, with the voices imitating each other in a playful and joyful manner. The final movement is a return to the mournful and somber character of the first movement, with a setting of the text "Heu, Domine, quia peccavimus" (Alas, Lord, for we have sinned). The music is characterized by slow, mournful melodies, with the voices once again weaving in and out of each other in a complex and intricate polyphonic texture. Overall, "Versa est in Luctum" is a powerful and emotionally charged work, showcasing Lobo's mastery of polyphonic composition and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through music.

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