Composer

:

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1563

Average_duration

:

3:57

'Quae est ista quae processit' is a sacred motet composed by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, one of the most prominent composers of the Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century and was premiered in Rome, Italy. It is a six-voice motet that is based on a text from the Song of Solomon, a book in the Old Testament of the Bible. The motet is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is marked by a slow and solemn tempo, with the voices entering one by one in a polyphonic texture. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with a faster tempo and a more homophonic texture. The third movement returns to the slower tempo of the first movement, with a more complex polyphonic texture that builds to a grand finale. The piece is characterized by Palestrina's signature style of smooth and flowing polyphony, with each voice weaving in and out of the texture in a seamless and harmonious way. The use of dissonance is minimal, and when it does occur, it is resolved quickly and smoothly. The piece also features a number of imitative passages, where one voice echoes the melody of another, creating a sense of unity and coherence throughout the piece. Overall, 'Quae est ista quae processit' is a beautiful and masterful example of Palestrina's sacred music, showcasing his skill in creating complex and harmonious polyphony that is both uplifting and spiritually inspiring.

More....