Tu es Petrus - William Byrd [1540 - 1623]

This composition by Byrd is from his "Gradualia" Book 2 from 1607.
Tu es Petrus affords a fine example of Byrd's contrapuntal ingenuity and of his musical "word-painting." In the phrase "et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam", the word "petram" - (rock) is frequently set to notes of long duration as a pedal-point, whilst others sing above it an ascending phrase, symbolical of the words "aedificabo ecclesiam meam" (I will build my church).
In the Missale Romanum Tu es Petrum is often set as the Gradual or the Tract before the reading of the Holy Gospel. It is interesting to note that Byrd does no include the entire text.

[Byrd did not set the words enclosed in square brackets below, but added Alleluia.]

Tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam; [et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam. Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum.]

Thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church [and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.]

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Tu es Petrus
• William Byrd
• contrapuntal music
• elizabethan/tudor music
• polyphony
• missale romanum
• communion antiphon
• Catholic church music

[handyman109]

Another excellent contribution, well executed as always.

[panzermadame]

ThankYou.

[streiff100]

You said it Bro, the best, Par Excellance as far as Polyphony goes!

Byrd, one of my favorite Renaissance Composers. Love the shots of Pius XII. Good Man, he was a leader of all things earthly during a very tough time in this world, namely World War II.

[Seasass]

@LouisvilleTorn8o Good ear! It has divided sopranos and divided tenors.

[LouisvilleTorn8o]

@TRUEMAN8919 Pedro fue el primo Papa. Mateo 16:18-20...

[LouisvilleTorn8o]

How many parts is this piece written for? I can hear at least 6. 

Byrd's Alleluias are always great!

[TRUEMAN8919]

pedro nunca fue papa y fue casado,por si acaso..

[CHUCKSDA]

Which choir is this?

[darsiempredar]

Beautifull!!

[Raffzeee]

That picture of Benedict XVI pp. is beautiful. Where can i find it?