Instrumental ensemble settings of In Nomines composed in England (1550-1650).

Abstract

In Nomine is the Latin title given to English compositions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries having the Sarum antiphon Gloria tibi Trinitas as their cantus firmus. Many composers, from Taverner to Purcell, composed at least one work based on this cantus firmus. The transition from a primarily vocal style to one for instrumental performance is evident. This study deals with a selected part of the In Nomine complex using methods developed in the scholarship of the L'homme Arme pieces. The purpose of this project is to compile, in one place, an in-depth study of the history of this genre, a description and listing of the sources, and an analysis of selected In Nomines. It is hoped that this will contribute to the understanding of a genre that played an important role in the development of the techniques employed in instrumental ensemble music. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)