Composer

:

John Redford

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

0:44

'Eterne Rerum Conditor' is a sacred choral work composed by John Redford, an English composer and organist who lived during the Tudor period. The piece was composed in the 16th century and is believed to have been premiered in the Chapel Royal of St. James's Palace in London. The work is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Latin hymn 'Eterne Rerum Conditor'. The first movement is a setting of the hymn's opening verse, while the second movement sets the second and third verses. The third movement sets the fourth and fifth verses, and the final movement sets the sixth and seventh verses. The characteristics of 'Eterne Rerum Conditor' reflect the musical style of the Tudor period. The work is written for a four-part choir, with each voice part singing its own melodic line. The harmonies are often complex, with dissonances and suspensions used to create tension and release. The text is set in a syllabic style, with each syllable of the Latin text given equal weight. The work also features a number of musical devices that were common in Tudor music. For example, the use of imitation, where one voice part echoes the melody of another, is a prominent feature of the work. The use of word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text, is also evident in the work. For example, the word 'claustra' (meaning 'bars') is set to a series of descending notes, creating a sense of confinement. Overall, 'Eterne Rerum Conditor' is a beautiful example of Tudor choral music. Its complex harmonies, use of imitation, and word painting make it a challenging and rewarding work for both performers and listeners.

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