Et Jesum

Composition by Tomas Luis de Vittoria, edited by Jacques Barbier, for four equal voices a cappella. This extract for 4 equal voices is the third of the four parts of T. L. de Vittoria's motet Salve Regina, a piece written for six mixed voices (SSAATB). He will polyphonically dress this antiphon several times in versions for 5, 6 and 8 voices. The latter, in double choir, will serve as a model for a parody mass. As usual, this composer is very careful to underline by vocalizations the essential words (fructum ventris, ostende) within a very fluid and always melodic writing for the four voices. If the beginning appears as a counterpoint with two repeated voices (voices 1 and 3 then voices 2 and 4), melodically the verses are different (1 and 2 then 3 and 4 are in imitation), and this mixture reinforces the unity of these four voices, unfolding and unfolding more freely then in the sole ambitus of the treble clef without ever hindering or neutralizing each other. Duration : 1’30’’