Composer

:

John Taverner

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Publication Date

:

1990

Average_duration

:

5:04

John Taverner's 'Quemadmodum' is a choral work that was composed in the 16th century. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written during Taverner's tenure as the Master of the Choristers at Cardinal College in Oxford, which lasted from 1526 to 1530. The piece is written for four voices, and it is a setting of Psalm 42, which begins with the Latin words "Quemadmodum desiderat cervus ad fontes aquarum." 'Quemadmodum' is a motet, which is a type of choral composition that is typically based on a sacred text. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different section of the psalm. The first movement is a setting of the first four verses of the psalm, and it is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and its use of imitative polyphony. The second movement is a setting of verses five and six, and it is more complex than the first movement, with a greater use of dissonance and a more intricate interplay between the voices. The third movement is a setting of the final two verses of the psalm, and it is the most dramatic of the three, with a more forceful melody and a greater use of dynamic contrast. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Quemadmodum' is its use of word painting. Word painting is a technique in which the music reflects the meaning of the text, and Taverner uses it extensively throughout the piece. For example, in the first movement, the word "desiderat" (which means "longs for") is set to a long, sustained note, which creates a sense of longing and yearning. In the second movement, the word "lacrimis" (which means "tears") is set to a dissonant chord, which creates a sense of sadness and grief. 'Quemadmodum' was premiered during Taverner's lifetime, but the exact date and location of its premiere are unknown. However, the piece has remained popular among choral groups and has been performed and recorded numerous times over the centuries. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Taverner's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and meaningful.

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