Description
This is taken from Lassus’ final great work, completed just days before his death in 1594. Originally composed for seven voices, It is a giant masterpiece of the late Renaissance era, containing much religious and numerical symbolism – the number 7 being highly significant in its association with the sacred text; the number of voices, the number of movements, and the 7 modes therein. Although I have arranged the first 7 songs, it is still a substantial volume. The complete work has a total of 21.
Of course there is no text in my arrangement but, rightly or not I have always believed in the language of music that in itself can speak beyond any words – that, together with it not being in my native tongue in no way detracts from the listening experience.
Ideal for Easy to Moderate abilities, only the 1st two players need briefly venture into 4th position. It all lies very comfortably under the fingers, although there is quite a lot of syncopation along the way. It suits the powerful and lyrical viola sound perfectly. 20 mins. E/M
