Renaissance · 1567
Missa Papae Marcelli — Kyrie
G. P. da Palestrina
- Key
- F
- Time
- C
- Tempo
- ♩=56
- AO focus
- AO3
Incipit
Form
Mass setting for six voices (SAATBB). The Kyrie, Christe, and second Kyrie make up movement 1. Famous for the legend that this Mass 'saved polyphony' from being banned by the Council of Trent.
Teaching points
- Six-voice texture — SAATBB. Discuss why Palestrina splits the alto and bass parts
- Word audibility — at the Council of Trent, polyphony was criticised for obscuring the text. Palestrina's writing keeps syllables aligned across voices
- AO3: legendary status — investigate which parts of the 'Pope Marcellus saved polyphony' story are myth vs documented
Full score ↓Public domain
Score: CPDL multiple editions, all public domain.