Composer

:

Tomás Luis de Victoria

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Lamentation

Publication Date

:

1585

Average_duration

:

4:40

"Et egressus est" is a sacred motet composed by Tomás Luis de Victoria, a Spanish composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1585, and was first performed in the Chapel Royal of Madrid. The motet is written for four voices, with the text taken from the Book of Wisdom, chapter 18, verses 14-15. The text describes the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and their journey through the Red Sea. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Allegro," and features a lively, rhythmic melody in the upper voices, with the lower voices providing a steady harmonic foundation. The second movement is marked "Adagio," and is more contemplative in nature, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex, polyphonic texture. The final movement is marked "Allegro," and returns to the lively, rhythmic character of the first movement, building to a triumphant conclusion. One of the most striking characteristics of "Et egressus est" is its use of dissonance. Victoria employs dissonant harmonies and suspensions throughout the piece, creating a sense of tension and release that heightens the emotional impact of the text. The piece also features a number of virtuosic vocal passages, particularly in the upper voices, which showcase Victoria's skill as a composer and his understanding of the capabilities of the human voice. Overall, "Et egressus est" is a powerful and expressive work that exemplifies Victoria's mastery of the sacred choral tradition of the Renaissance era. Its combination of rhythmic energy, complex polyphony, and emotional depth make it a timeless masterpiece of choral music.

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