motet notes - Monteverdi

No one in his generation wrote better ground bass pieces than Monteverdi. The "Laetatus sum" is a superb example of the head of steam that a good energetic ground bass can provide. Beginning with pairs of sopranos and violins, the work gradually descends to lower voices and instruments. The most stunning moment is the spot when the bass pattern is broken, and the entrance of the full chorus.

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