Composer

:

François Couperin

Genre

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1680

Average_duration

:

8:24

"Ad te levavi oculos meos" is a sacred motet composed by François Couperin, a French Baroque composer, harpsichordist, and organist. The piece was composed in 1713 and premiered in the same year. It is a part of his collection of sacred music, "Les Leçons de Ténèbres," which consists of three sets of three lessons each, intended to be performed during the Holy Week. The motet is written for two sopranos and basso continuo, and it is divided into three movements. The first movement is a slow and solemn introduction, marked "Lentement," in which the two sopranos sing the text "Ad te levavi oculos meos" (I lift up my eyes to you). The basso continuo provides a simple and repetitive harmonic accompaniment, creating a sense of contemplation and introspection. The second movement is marked "Vivemen," and it is a lively and joyful section in which the sopranos sing the text "Qui habitas in coelis" (You who dwell in heaven). The music is characterized by its rhythmic vitality, with the basso continuo providing a lively and syncopated accompaniment. The two sopranos engage in a playful dialogue, exchanging short melodic phrases and imitating each other's vocal lines. The final movement is marked "Lentement," and it returns to the solemn mood of the opening. The sopranos sing the text "Ecce sicut oculi servorum" (Behold, as the eyes of servants). The music is characterized by its simplicity and restraint, with the basso continuo providing a sparse and understated accompaniment. The two sopranos sing in unison, creating a sense of unity and humility. Overall, "Ad te levavi oculos meos" is a beautiful and expressive piece of sacred music, showcasing Couperin's mastery of vocal writing and his ability to create a sense of contemplation and introspection through music. Its three movements provide a varied and engaging listening experience, with each section contributing to the overall emotional arc of the piece.

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