Composer

:

Orlande de Lassus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1604

Average_duration

:

3:06

Alma Redemptoris mater, M. xxi (S. xxi/14) is a sacred choral work composed by Orlande de Lassus, a prominent composer of the Renaissance period. The piece is a setting of the Marian antiphon Alma Redemptoris Mater, which is traditionally sung during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Lassus composed Alma Redemptoris Mater in the late 16th century, likely between 1570 and 1580. The piece was first published in 1582 as part of a collection of Marian antiphons and hymns titled Sacrae cantiones. It is believed that Lassus composed the piece for the court of Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria, where he served as a musician. Alma Redemptoris Mater is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different section of the antiphon. The first movement is a simple and elegant setting of the antiphon's opening phrase, "Alma Redemptoris Mater." The second movement is more complex, with intricate polyphonic textures and frequent changes in meter. The third movement is a gentle and flowing setting of the antiphon's middle section, "Tu quae genuisti." The final movement is a joyful and exuberant setting of the antiphon's closing phrase, "O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria." One of the most notable characteristics of Alma Redemptoris Mater is its use of polyphony, a hallmark of Renaissance music. Lassus employs a variety of polyphonic techniques throughout the piece, including imitative counterpoint and overlapping voices. The piece also features frequent changes in meter and tempo, which add to its complexity and richness. Overall, Alma Redemptoris Mater is a beautiful and masterful work that showcases Lassus's skill as a composer. Its intricate polyphonic textures and expressive melodies make it a beloved piece of sacred choral music that is still performed and enjoyed today.

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