Liber generationis Jesu Christi
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
4 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Liber generationis Jesu Christi by Josquin des Prez — Lyrics
About Liber generationis Jesu Christi
This sacred motet by Josquin des Prez opens with the genealogy of Jesus Christ, drawn from the Gospel of Matthew. The text begins in Greek before transitioning to Latin, tracing the lineage from Abraham through King David. Josquin sets this list of ancestors with profound musical artistry, his SATB voicing creating rich textures that underscore the historical and spiritual significance of the names. The motet moves through different sections, reflecting the unfolding of salvation history. It is a prime example of Renaissance sacred polyphony, demonstrating Josquin's mastery in setting biblical texts with both clarity and emotional depth. The careful construction of the music mirrors the careful ordering of the generations.