This four-voice, conservative, and sacred motet demonstrates a particular point about music that is sometimes lost when people get to know the Western musical canon; a conservative approach to craft can sometimes yield good things. The words to this work come from Psalms 137:1 - 2, and there is little or nothing in the work regarding the recent innovations of the mid- and late sixteenth century. It does not use chromaticism except in the older style, as relegated by the elder music theorist Zarlino. While some brilliant composers were writing heartfelt and genuinely pious motets in seven or even eight voices, Palestrina continued to write in the traditional four-voice format and nothing is lost for this approach. Super flumina Babylonis is an excellent example why this Roman composer is the most famous Western musician to precede Bach. The phrasing is irregular but always with purpose and his weaving from imitative counterpoint to occasional rhythmic unisons is especially persuasive. The evocative imagery of the text is carried with reverence and endless shades of variety, while the virtuosity of the composing is never the cornerstone of the listener's admiration. Instead, it is the heartfelt and selfless delivery that makes the profundity of this artist impossible to miss. Lovers of music are advised to become acquainted with the music of Palestrina and this motet, one of many, will be a rewarding find during the investigation.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.