A First Motet Book Author:Paul Thomas (editor) A First Motet Book contains 17 motets in a variety of styles by composers from the Renaissance to the 20th century. The composers represented are from the following countries--Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States. Fifteen of the compositions are for SATB, one is for SSATB with violin, and one is... more » for SAB. The collection includes music for all seasons of the year. The notes on the individual compositions suggest appropriate uses for each composition.
The word "first" in the title indicates that most of the motets are technically not too difficult and therefore may serve to introduce choirs to the glories of polyphonic music. It should be remembered that since motets are vocal music, they do not reveal their beauties when played on a piano. In fact, they usually sound rather dull on a piano. It is only when they are sung properly that the beauty shines through.« less