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Rorate coeli desuper by Jacobus Handl
Today's motet follows in the Advent theme of our last few chorales.  Handl (also known as Gallus [the rooster] and Carniolus [a reference to his homeland, Carniola, in present-day Slovenia], was a prolific and inspired composer of both sacred and secular works of all varieties. The 'Opus musicum', from which 'Rorate' is drawn, is a magisterial collection of 374 motets for the entire liturgical year, published in 1874.

We have not done very much Handl over the years (though research for today's project has reminded me what an excellent composer he is--there may be more of him in our future!) Many of you, however, will recall his remarkable chromatic 'Mirabile mysterium', which we did in our 'Song of the Morning Star' program in 2014.

Though the present piece is far more 'normal', it is another excellent example of Handl's skill as a composer.
The Advent antiphon, which implores the heavens to open and 'rain down justice' and the earth to 'bring forth a savior',
is set for a luxurious six-part ensemble in a vivid madrigalian style.



Each line of text is provided with its own depictive motive, and these are developed at some length. For example, at the opening, the image of the skies opening and raining down on the earth is reflected in a falling line which multiplies quickly into a veritable downpour.
Or take a look at the alternating trios of 'Aperiatur terra', which depict a double-choir of supplicants who join together at last for a strong, homophonic 'et germinet', this then fairly exploding into a triumphant cascade of 'Salvatorem!'.

​
It's bracing stuff--all squarely within the so-called 'Franco-Flemish' style of Renaissance polyphony--but very skillfully used in such a way as to stir our hearts and souls with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

A score, a very nice recording and a text-translation sheet are attached.
Click here to download learning materials
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