Composer

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Codex Las Huelgas Anonymous

Average_duration

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3:54

'Quis dabit' is a medieval chant composed by the anonymous composer of the Codex Las Huelgas. The Codex Las Huelgas is a manuscript that contains a collection of music from the 13th and 14th centuries. It is named after the Cistercian monastery of Las Huelgas in Burgos, Spain, where it was discovered in the 19th century. 'Quis dabit' is a monophonic chant that was likely composed in the late 13th century. It is written in Latin and is a lamentation that expresses the longing for the presence of God. The text is taken from Psalm 42:2-3, which reads, "Quis dabit capiti meo aquam, et oculis meis fontem lacrimarum? Et plorabo die ac nocte coram Domino Deo meo." (Who will give water to my head and a fountain of tears to my eyes? And I will weep day and night before the Lord my God.) The chant is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked by a sense of longing and sadness. The melody is slow and mournful, with a descending melodic line that emphasizes the text's emphasis on tears and weeping. The second movement is more hopeful in character. The melody is more upbeat and features a rising melodic line that suggests a sense of ascent or upward movement. The text of this movement expresses a desire to be in the presence of God and to experience his love and mercy. The final movement returns to the mournful character of the first. The melody is slow and contemplative, with a descending melodic line that emphasizes the text's emphasis on weeping and lamentation. The text of this movement expresses a sense of despair and longing for the presence of God. Overall, 'Quis dabit' is a beautiful and moving example of medieval chant. Its use of melody and text to express a sense of longing for the divine is characteristic of the medieval period and continues to resonate with listeners today.

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