Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

ca. 1610

Average_duration

:

3:33

"Nigra sum sed formosa" is a sacred motet composed by Claudio Monteverdi, an Italian composer of the Baroque era. It is part of his Vespers, also known as the Vespro della Beata Vergine, which is a collection of sacred music written for the evening service of the Catholic Church. The Vespers was published in 1610 and is considered one of Monteverdi's most significant works. The premiere of the Vespers is not well documented, but it is believed to have taken place in the Basilica of San Marco in Venice, where Monteverdi was employed as the maestro di cappella. The Vespers consists of 13 movements, including psalms, hymns, and motets, and is written for a large ensemble of voices and instruments. "Nigra sum sed formosa" is the third motet in the Vespers and is based on a text from the Song of Solomon. The text translates to "I am black but beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem," and is a metaphor for the Church, which is both humble and glorious. The music is written for two sopranos and basso continuo, and features a rich and expressive melody that reflects the text's contrasting themes. The motet begins with a solo soprano singing the opening phrase, "Nigra sum sed formosa," which is then echoed by the second soprano. The basso continuo provides a simple yet elegant accompaniment, with a repeating bass line that creates a sense of stability and grounding. The two sopranos sing in close harmony, with occasional moments of dissonance that add tension and drama to the music. The second half of the motet features a more complex texture, with the two sopranos singing in counterpoint and the basso continuo providing a more active accompaniment. The music builds to a climax with the words "Surge, propera, amica mea," which translate to "Arise, my love, my fair one," before resolving into a peaceful and serene conclusion. Overall, "Nigra sum sed formosa" is a beautiful and expressive motet that showcases Monteverdi's skill as a composer. Its rich harmonies, expressive melody, and contrasting themes make it a standout piece in the Vespers and a beloved work in the choral repertoire.

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