Composer

:

Orlande de Lassus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Publication Date

:

1570

Average_duration

:

5:34

Orlande de Lassus was a prominent composer of the Renaissance period, known for his prolific output of sacred and secular music. One of his most famous works is "Dulces exuviae, M. xvii (S. xi/57)," a motet composed in the late 16th century. The motet was composed in 1594 and premiered in Munich, where Lassus was working as the court composer for Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria. It is a six-part composition, written for two sopranos, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass voices. The text is taken from Virgil's Aeneid, specifically from the scene in which Aeneas bids farewell to his lover Dido. The motet is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the voices singing in a homophonic texture. The second movement is faster and more lively, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex polyphonic texture. The third movement returns to the slow, mournful character of the first, with the voices singing in a more complex polyphonic texture. One of the most striking characteristics of "Dulces exuviae" is its use of chromaticism. Lassus employs a number of chromatic harmonies and melodic lines throughout the piece, creating a sense of tension and emotional intensity. The use of chromaticism was a hallmark of the late Renaissance period, and Lassus was one of its most skilled practitioners. Overall, "Dulces exuviae" is a powerful and emotionally charged work, showcasing Lassus's mastery of polyphonic composition and his ability to convey complex emotions through music. It remains one of his most famous and beloved works to this day.

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