Composer

:

Orlande de Lassus

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1562

Average_duration

:

3:30

'Videntes stellam magi, M. ii (S. v/22)' is a sacred motet composed by Orlande de Lassus, a prominent composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century and was premiered in Munich, Germany. It is a six-voice motet that is divided into three movements. The first movement of 'Videntes stellam magi' is a lively and joyful setting of the text "Videntes stellam magi gavisi sunt gaudio magno" (When the wise men saw the star, they rejoiced with great joy). The music is characterized by its rhythmic vitality and the use of imitative polyphony, where each voice enters in turn with the same melody. The music builds to a climax with the words "gaudio magno" before subsiding into a more reflective section. The second movement is a more contemplative setting of the text "Et intrantes domum invenerunt puerum cum Maria matre eius" (And entering the house, they found the child with his mother Mary). The music is characterized by its gentle, flowing lines and the use of homophonic textures, where all the voices sing the same melody at the same time. The music is marked by a sense of awe and wonder at the sight of the infant Jesus. The final movement of 'Videntes stellam magi' is a joyful and celebratory setting of the text "Et adorantes eum obtulerunt ei munera aurum, thus et myrrham" (And worshipping him, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh). The music is characterized by its lively rhythms and the use of imitative polyphony. The music builds to a triumphant conclusion with the words "munera aurum, thus et myrrham" before ending with a final cadence. Overall, 'Videntes stellam magi' is a beautiful and expressive motet that captures the joy and wonder of the Christmas story. Lassus' use of imitative polyphony and homophonic textures creates a rich and complex musical tapestry that perfectly complements the text. The piece remains a beloved work of the Renaissance repertoire and is frequently performed in churches and concert halls around the world.

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