Composer

:

John Dunstable

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Kyrie

Compose Date

:

ca. 1410 - 1453

Average_duration

:

4:37

Kyrie, MB 1 is a sacred choral composition composed by John Dunstable, a prominent English composer of the late medieval period. The piece is believed to have been composed in the early 15th century, although the exact date is unknown. It is one of Dunstable's most famous works and is considered a masterpiece of early Renaissance polyphony. The piece is written for four voices, with the text being the Kyrie eleison, which is part of the Ordinary of the Mass. The Kyrie is a prayer for mercy and forgiveness, and Dunstable's setting of the text is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. The piece is in three movements, with each movement being a setting of the Kyrie eleison text. The first movement is in a simple, homophonic style, with all four voices singing the same melody at the same time. The second movement is more complex, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a polyphonic texture. The third movement returns to the homophonic style of the first movement, but with a more elaborate and ornate melody. One of the most notable characteristics of Dunstable's Kyrie, MB 1 is its use of harmonic thirds and sixths, which became a hallmark of the English style of polyphony. The piece also features a smooth and flowing melodic line, with each voice moving in a logical and natural way. The use of dissonance is minimal, and when it is used, it is resolved quickly and smoothly. The premiere of Kyrie, MB 1 is unknown, but it is believed to have been performed in a church setting, possibly as part of a Mass. The piece was widely popular in its time and was copied and circulated throughout Europe. It influenced many composers of the Renaissance period, including Josquin des Prez and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. In conclusion, John Dunstable's Kyrie, MB 1 is a masterpiece of early Renaissance polyphony. Its simple and elegant style, use of harmonic thirds and sixths, and smooth melodic line make it a hallmark of the English style of polyphony. The piece is in three movements, with each movement being a setting of the Kyrie eleison text. Although the exact date of composition and premiere are unknown, the piece was widely popular in its time and influenced many composers of the Renaissance period.

More....