Paolo Agostino (c.1583 – 1629) was an Italian
composer and organist of the early Baroque era. He was
born perhaps at Vallerano, near Viterbo. He studied
under Giovanni Bernardino Nanino, according to the
dedication in the third and fourth books of his masses.
Subsequently, he married Nanino's daughter. He held a
series of positions as organist and maestro di cappella
(choirmaster) between 1607 and 1626, when he succeeded
Vincenzo Ugolini as maestro of the Cappella Giulia's
choir in St. Peter's...(+)
Paolo Agostino (c.1583 – 1629) was an Italian
composer and organist of the early Baroque era. He was
born perhaps at Vallerano, near Viterbo. He studied
under Giovanni Bernardino Nanino, according to the
dedication in the third and fourth books of his masses.
Subsequently, he married Nanino's daughter. He held a
series of positions as organist and maestro di cappella
(choirmaster) between 1607 and 1626, when he succeeded
Vincenzo Ugolini as maestro of the Cappella Giulia's
choir in St. Peter's Basilica.
All of his surviving works are sacred music, and most
are written in the prima pratica, the conservative
polyphonic style of the late 16th century, although
some of his motets use some of the new concertato
style. He was a highly sophisticated contrapuntist,
often using strict canonic techniques; in addition, he
used colorful sonorities, changes of meter between
sections, and colorful chromaticism, showing an
acquaintanceship with contemporary secular practice as
well as the work of the Venetian School. An Agnus Dei
for eight voices is especially admired and was used as
an example in Padre Martini's Saggio di
Contrappunto.
Adoramus te (Latin, "We adore Thee") is a stanza that
is recited or sung mostly during the ritual of the
Stations of the Cross. Primarily a Catholic tradition,
is retained in some confessional Anglican and Lutheran
denominations during the Good Friday liturgy, although
it is recited generally in the vernacular. It is
recited or sung between stations. The words are as
follows: "We adore Thee, O Christ and we bless Thee,
who by Thy Holy Cross hast redeemed the world. Thou,
who hast suffered death for us, O Lord, O Lord, have
mercy on us."
Source: Wikipedia
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paolo_Agostino).
Although originally written for Chorus (AATB), I
created this Interpretation of the Adoramus te, Christe
("We adore Thee Christ") for String Quartet (2 Violins,
Viola & Cello).
PARTITION