Composer

:

William Byrd

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1605

Average_duration

:

2:10

"Tollite portas" is a sacred motet composed by William Byrd, an English composer of the Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1580, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It was first performed in the Chapel Royal, London, and was later published in Byrd's collection of Gradualia in 1605. The motet is written for four voices, SATB, and is divided into three movements. The first movement is a lively and rhythmic setting of the text "Tollite portas, principes, vestras, et elevamini, portae aeternales, et introibit rex gloriae" (Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in). The second movement is a more subdued and contemplative setting of the text "Quis est iste rex gloriae?" (Who is this King of glory?). The final movement returns to the lively and rhythmic character of the first movement, with a repetition of the opening text. The motet is characterized by its use of imitative polyphony, where each voice enters in turn with the same or similar melody. Byrd also employs a variety of musical techniques, such as word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text, and chromaticism, where the music uses notes outside of the diatonic scale to create tension and interest. Overall, "Tollite portas" is a masterful example of Byrd's skill as a composer of sacred music. Its lively and rhythmic character, combined with its contemplative moments, make it a powerful and moving piece of music that continues to be performed and enjoyed today.

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