A motet I wrote for an upcoming arts exhibition. The words are from a latin text, 'Adoro Te Devote' ('Devoutly I adore Thee').
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adoro_te_devote
It begins with a Palestrina type section. The center section which discusses the memory of the ressurection in death moves into a Gesualdo type motive. The final section continues with a traditional sixteenth-century type counterpoint.
I hope my explanation helps...
DeLesslin 2 years ago
As for the middle section, I think the "funny" part you are referring to is the chromaticism (lots of flats and sharps). If you mostly listen to Palestrina then it would sound strange, but I didn't do it without precedent.
The middle section starts with the words "O memoriale mortis" ("O memory of death"; talking about the crucifixion). Traditionally (even to the time of Mozart) passages about death usually have a more chromatic character. You can see this clearly in Gesualdo pieces (look him up
DeLesslin 2 years ago
Sure, I would love to answer your question!
Well although the piece was inspired by traditional sixteenth century counterpoint, I wasn't attempting to photo copy the style. In places (excluding the middle section) that I broke the rules it was because of necessity (I wasn't able to achieve the effect I wanted without breaking a rule).
DeLesslin 2 years ago
m. 44 is pretty funny. i'm curious, did you just decide to abandon all the rules in that middle section (and some other parts)? i only know basic counterpoint, enlighten me!
guitars2112 2 years ago