Composer

:

Nicolas Gombert

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

3:51

'Plus oultre' is a choral work composed by Nicolas Gombert, a Franco-Flemish composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was likely composed in the early 16th century, during Gombert's tenure as a singer and composer in the chapel of Emperor Charles V. 'Plus oultre' is a motet, a type of choral composition that sets a sacred text to music. The text of 'Plus oultre' is taken from the Gospel of Matthew, and is a reference to the motto of Charles V, "Plus ultra" (Latin for "further beyond"). The text reads: "Non plus ultra, sed plus oultre" ("Not further beyond, but further still"). The piece is composed for six voices, and is structured in three movements. The first movement is in a homophonic style, with all six voices singing together in block chords. The second movement is more complex, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in intricate polyphony. The third movement returns to a homophonic style, with the voices coming together in a powerful final statement of the text. 'Plus oultre' is characteristic of Gombert's style, which is known for its complex polyphony and use of dissonance. The piece features frequent use of suspensions and other dissonant intervals, which create a sense of tension and release. The use of six voices allows for a rich and full sound, with each voice contributing to the overall texture of the piece. Overall, 'Plus oultre' is a powerful and expressive work that showcases Gombert's skill as a composer. Its use of complex polyphony and dissonance make it a challenging piece for performers, but also a rewarding one for those who are able to master its intricacies.

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