Search - Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Cambridge Singers, John Rutter :: The Song of Songs: Motecta ex Cantico Canticorum

Palestrina's collection of 29 motets with texts from the Biblical Song of Songs, published in 1584, was prefaced by a dedication to Pope Gregory explaining the nature and purpose of the music: to set texts that "express the divine love of Christ for his spiritual bride." He goes on to explain his use of "a livelier style than in my other sacred compositions." In fact, these works are stylistically and thematically closer to madrigals, with their colorful modes, catchy rhythms, and attention to mood- and word-painting. It's fascinating to hear how Palestrina, one of the greatest composers of sacred music, reconciles these outwardly erotic texts with their profoundly spiritual message. John Rutter's Cambridge Singers choose a light, madrigalesque approach that avoids sentimentality, attends to clear articulation, and never forgets the composer's wish to bring pleasure to his listeners. --David Vernier