Composer

:

Girolamo Frescobaldi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

8:13

"Iod. Manum suam" is a vocal composition by Girolamo Frescobaldi, composed for the Feriae V in Coena Domini, Lectio Terza. The piece was likely composed in the early 17th century, during Frescobaldi's tenure as organist at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The composition is written for a solo voice and continuo accompaniment, and is structured in three movements. The first movement is marked "Lento," and features a mournful melody that is sung over a simple, chordal accompaniment. The second movement is marked "Allegro," and features a more lively melody that is sung over a more complex, contrapuntal accompaniment. The final movement is marked "Adagio," and features a return to the mournful melody of the first movement, sung over a more elaborate, ornamented accompaniment. The text of the composition is taken from the third lesson of the Matins service on Maundy Thursday, which recounts the story of Christ washing the feet of his disciples. The text is written in Latin, and is structured in a series of short phrases that are repeated throughout the composition. The text is notable for its use of the Hebrew letter "Iod" as a symbol of God's power and authority. Overall, "Iod. Manum suam" is a characteristic example of Frescobaldi's style, which is characterized by its use of complex counterpoint, elaborate ornamentation, and expressive melodic lines. The composition is also notable for its use of text painting, in which the music is used to illustrate the meaning of the text.

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