Composer

:

Tomás Luis de Victoria

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1572

Average_duration

:

10:11

"Vadam, et circumibo civitatem" is a motet composed by Tomás Luis de Victoria, a Spanish composer of the Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1585, and was premiered in Madrid, Spain. The motet is written for six voices, with two soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass parts. It is divided into three movements, with each movement featuring a different text. The first movement is based on the text from the Song of Solomon, "I will arise and go about the city; in the streets and broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth." The second movement is based on the text from the Book of Psalms, "I will go round about and offer up in his tabernacle a sacrifice of jubilation." The third movement is based on the text from the Gospel of John, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman." The motet is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive use of text painting. Victoria's use of chromaticism and dissonance creates a sense of tension and drama, particularly in the first movement. The second movement features a more joyful and celebratory tone, with the use of lively rhythms and melodic motifs. The final movement is more contemplative, with a slower tempo and a focus on the text's metaphorical imagery. Overall, "Vadam, et circumibo civitatem" is a masterful example of Victoria's skill as a composer, showcasing his ability to create complex and emotionally expressive music within the context of sacred choral music.

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