Composer

:

Hieronymus Praetorius

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

5:53

Angelus ad pastores ait is a sacred choral work composed by Hieronymus Praetorius, a German composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the early 17th century, and its premiere date is unknown. Angelus ad pastores ait is a four-movement work that is typically performed a cappella. The first movement is a lively and joyful setting of the text "Angelus ad pastores ait" ("The angel said to the shepherds"), which is taken from the Gospel of Luke. The second movement is a more subdued setting of the text "Gloria in excelsis Deo" ("Glory to God in the highest"), which is also from the Gospel of Luke. The third movement is a setting of the text "Quem vidistis, pastores?" ("Whom did you see, shepherds?"), which is a question asked by the angel to the shepherds after announcing the birth of Jesus. The final movement is a setting of the text "Hodie Christus natus est" ("Today Christ is born"), which is a joyful proclamation of the birth of Jesus. The characteristics of Angelus ad pastores ait reflect the style of the late Renaissance period. The work is characterized by its use of polyphony, which is the simultaneous sounding of multiple independent voices or parts. The piece also features imitative counterpoint, which is a technique in which one voice or part imitates the melody of another voice or part. The use of dissonance and chromaticism is also prominent in the work, which adds to its expressive and emotional qualities. Overall, Angelus ad pastores ait is a beautiful and expressive choral work that reflects the religious and musical traditions of the late Renaissance period. Its joyful and celebratory nature makes it a popular choice for Christmas and other religious celebrations.

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