Sei Antifone
Six motets in the Palestrinian style, Op. 5, No. 1–6
Complete Urtext Edition in three volumes

Edition Details

Composer: Francesco Barsanti (1695–1775)

Date: 1748–1760

Key: Modal

Form: Five- and six-part motets for unaccompanied choir

Style: Palestrinian counterpoint

Scoring: Soprano, Mezzo, Alto, Tenor, Bass (motets I–V); Soprano I, Soprano II, Mezzo, Alto, Tenor, Bass (motet VI).

Sources: Four contemporary sources including the composer's first edition, an incomplete set of manuscript parts in the composer's hand, Welker's edition, and the Madrigal Society manuscripts in the hand of copyist William Clarke.

Editorial Category: Urtext edition.

Contents: Historical commentary, critical report, full score (92 pages total, bound in three volumes):

Antifona I: Ne reminiscaris Domine (SMATB)
Antifona II: Asperges me (SMATB)
Antifona III: Agios o Theos (SMATB)
Antifona IV: De profundis (SMATB)
Antifona V: Lauda Jerusalem (SMATB)
Antifona VI: Inter iniquos (SSMATB)

Comments: These motets are exquisite examples of their genre, and will make a fine addition to the repertoire of any choral ensemble. Although written for unaccompanied voices, they also lend themselves quite well to performance by instrumental consorts, particularly those composed of recorders and/or viols. There are few challenges of technique in the music; students and amateurs at all levels will find these motets both accessible and rewarding.