Composer

:

Tomás Luis de Victoria

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1585

Average_duration

:

2:52

"Unus ex discipulis" is a sacred motet composed by the Spanish composer Tomás Luis de Victoria. It was composed in the late 16th century, during the Renaissance period, and was first performed in the Chapel Royal of Madrid in 1585. The motet is written for four voices, with the text taken from the Gospel of John, chapter 13, verse 23: "One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table close to Jesus." The text is sung in Latin, which was the language of the Catholic Church at the time. The motet is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the voices singing in a homophonic texture. The second movement is faster and more lively, with the voices singing in a polyphonic texture. The third movement returns to the slower tempo of the first movement, with the voices singing in a more complex polyphonic texture. The characteristics of "Unus ex discipulis" reflect the style of Victoria's music, which was known for its clarity, simplicity, and emotional intensity. Victoria was a master of polyphony, and his music is characterized by its intricate interweaving of voices and its use of dissonance to create tension and release. Overall, "Unus ex discipulis" is a beautiful example of Renaissance sacred music, and it continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences today.

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