Composer

:

William Byrd

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

3:25

"Cibavit eos" is a sacred motet composed by William Byrd, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1590, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It was first performed in the Chapel Royal, London, and was later published in Byrd's collection of Gradualia in 1605. The motet is written for four voices, SATB, and is based on a text from Psalm 81:16, which translates to "He fed them with the finest wheat and satisfied them with honey from the rock." The piece is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being in duple meter and the second movement in triple meter. The first movement begins with a lively and joyful melody in the soprano voice, which is then imitated by the other voices. The text is sung in a homophonic style, with all voices singing together in harmony. The second movement is more contemplative and introspective, with a slower tempo and a more complex harmonic structure. The text is sung in a polyphonic style, with each voice singing a different melody that weaves together to create a rich and intricate texture. The third movement returns to the joyful and celebratory mood of the first movement, with a lively and energetic melody that is passed between the voices. The text is again sung in a homophonic style, with all voices singing together in harmony. Overall, "Cibavit eos" is a beautiful example of Byrd's skill as a composer of sacred music. The piece showcases his ability to create complex and intricate harmonies while still maintaining a sense of clarity and simplicity in the overall structure. The joyful and celebratory mood of the piece reflects the text of the psalm, which speaks of God's provision and care for his people.

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