Composer

:

Plainchant

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:12

Vox in Rama is a plainchant composed in the 6th century. It is believed to have been written by an anonymous composer and is considered one of the most significant pieces of plainchant in the Christian liturgy. The piece is based on a passage from the Gospel of Matthew, which describes the massacre of the innocents by King Herod. The premiere of Vox in Rama is unknown, but it has been performed in Christian liturgies for centuries. The piece is typically performed during the Christmas season, as it relates to the story of the birth of Jesus. Vox in Rama is a single movement piece, consisting of a single melody sung in unison. The piece is characterized by its haunting melody and mournful tone. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a descending pattern that creates a sense of sadness and despair. The text of Vox in Rama is taken from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2, verses 16-18. The text describes the massacre of the innocents, in which King Herod orders the killing of all male infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the newborn Jesus. The text is sung in Latin, with the words "Vox in Rama audita est, ploratus et ululatus multus: Rachel plorans filios suos, et noluit consolari, quia non sunt" (A voice was heard in Rama, lamentation, and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not). Overall, Vox in Rama is a powerful and emotional piece of plainchant that has been performed in Christian liturgies for centuries. Its haunting melody and mournful tone make it a fitting tribute to the innocent victims of King Herod's massacre.

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