Composer

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14th Century Polyphony Anonymous

Genre

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Vocal

Average_duration

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01:21

Juste Judex is a 14th-century polyphonic composition that is anonymous in origin. It is a piece of music that was written for four voices and is believed to have been composed in the late 14th century. The piece is named after the first words of the text, which are taken from the Latin hymn "Dies Irae." The composition is preserved in the Biblioteca Nacional in Madrid, MS 1361. The premiere of Juste Judex is unknown, but it is believed to have been performed in a religious setting, possibly during a funeral or a mass. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which has its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is a solemn and mournful setting of the text "Juste Judex ultionis" (Righteous Judge of vengeance). The music is slow and mournful, with the voices singing in a homophonic style. The melody is simple and repetitive, with the voices moving in parallel motion. The second movement is a more lively setting of the text "Donum fac remissionis" (Grant the gift of forgiveness). The music is faster and more rhythmic, with the voices singing in a polyphonic style. The melody is more complex, with the voices moving independently of each other. The third movement is a return to the solemn and mournful style of the first movement. The text is "Ingemisco tamquam reus" (I groan as a guilty one). The music is slow and mournful, with the voices singing in a homophonic style. The melody is similar to that of the first movement, with the voices moving in parallel motion. Overall, Juste Judex is a beautiful and haunting piece of music that showcases the polyphonic style of the late 14th century. The composition is notable for its use of simple melodies and repetitive motifs, as well as its use of homophonic and polyphonic textures. The piece is a testament to the rich musical tradition of the medieval period and continues to be performed and appreciated by musicians and music lovers today.

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