Composer

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George Kirbye

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

Average_duration

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4:27

'Vox in Rama' is a sacred choral work composed by George Kirbye, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1590, and was premiered in the Chapel Royal of Queen Elizabeth I. 'Vox in Rama' is a motet, a type of choral composition that is typically based on a sacred text. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different section of the text from the Gospel of Matthew. The text is a lamentation for the children of Bethlehem who were killed by King Herod in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus. The first movement of 'Vox in Rama' is a somber and mournful setting of the opening lines of the text, "A voice was heard in Rama, lamentation, and great mourning." The music is slow and mournful, with long, sustained notes and a sense of sadness and grief. The second movement is a more lively and rhythmic setting of the text, "Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." The music is more energetic and urgent, with a sense of agitation and unrest. The third movement is a slower and more contemplative setting of the text, "Thus saith the Lord: A voice was heard in Rama, of lamentation and of mourning, Rachel weeping for her children." The music is more introspective and reflective, with a sense of sorrow and mourning. The final movement is a triumphant and joyful setting of the text, "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord." The music is more upbeat and celebratory, with a sense of hope and optimism. Overall, 'Vox in Rama' is a powerful and moving choral work that captures the sadness and grief of the story of the children of Bethlehem, while also offering a sense of hope and redemption. Kirbye's use of different musical styles and moods in each movement helps to convey the different emotions and themes of the text, making 'Vox in Rama' a masterful example of Renaissance choral music.

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