“Kyrie” from Missa O Magnum Mysterium by Tomas Luis de Victoria is a sacred song which has a harmony based on polyphonic textures. The polyphonic texture in Kyrie is soothing and the voices sound like angels creating a gentle and soothing harmonic texture. Victoria utilizes an underlying melody of the timbre in the background with voices slightly protruding over the timbre in the distance in order to create a harmonic texture. The polyphonic texture of the voices creates a beautiful and soothing feeling allowing the listener to solely focuses on the soothing voices and synchronized texture with timbre in the background. Kyrie’s texture is gentle, angelic sound warms the soul creating a feeling of reflection, content, and safety. Each voice rhythm is natural but complement each other throughout Kyrie. The music’s …show more content…
The composer uses the polyphonic motet utilizing vocals to respond to the glorious wonder alternating from verse to refrain as a way for shepherds and others during the Renaissance time-period to reflect and rejoice the birth of Jesus. The simplicity, serene, and angelical music timbre creates a joyous feeling of the birth of God amongst men to celebrate this miracle. The composer creates harmony using simple polyphony to celebrate his birth and an opportunity to reflect on the purpose to express his mercy to sinners. The composition expresses joy and optimism proclaiming the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ who has descended to earth to save man from sin. The emotional value of the song is to provide a sense of hope to mankind and takes on a special meaning since it is used in the Roman Catholic Church mass. The song has religious connotations celebrating the birth of our savior. The song is a celebration to express joy of being born on earth and his mercy to