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Years after Joaquin Deserter’s death, his music was distributed all throughout Europe and Germany. A quote from Todd M. Macomb, who wrote a discography about Desires, helps one to understand why his music became so popular and it says, “The clear textures and text declamation which Squall employed set the stage not only for the next developments of technical harmony, but for the clarity and conciseness demanded by the Counter-Reformation of Palestinian et al. As well.
Jonquil’s output displays a rare combination of innovation and accomplished chemical mastery, and has retained for him a position as the most prominent composer of the early sixteenth century, perhaps the high point of Western music as a whole. ” This simply meant his music was recited clearly and concisely. He was doing things that no other composer had done to music. He also improved the techniques other composer had been using for years. This statement by Macomb sums up the reasons Desires was honored so much for his music _ HIS style allowed him to compose over a hundred motets and many other works while he was alive.
Polyphonic imitation was a common technique in motets. Polyphonic imitation is where one musical line shares or imitates the same musical theme as the proceeding line. One song by Desires, titled Eave Marl- Virgo Serene, uses polyphonic Imitation all throughout the piece. This piece describes his work the best. One said, “With his strict canonic opening and subsequent structural interplay,” this song is a perfect example of his style. The songs meaning comes from when the angel Gabriel told Mary about Jesus’ birth.
Hail thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. ” (Luke 1 :28) is a scripture from the bible that is quoted in the song. Centuries later the song is still very popular. Since Desires, many many composers have remade the song Eave Marl. I have heard the song played In theatre, at weddings, church, and now for a music assignment. Out of all the renditions of Eave Marl the version by Beyond Knowles has made this song one of my favorite songs. Now that have heard Jonquils original version I see that Beyond was nowhere near close to assembling this song.
The most Important aspect of the song is the Imitation of the soprano voice to alto to tenor then bass and her rendition was more Like a solo with a different meaning. Through his music Joaquin Desires influenced many composers of his time and he still continues to influence composers of modern times. To some, n Renaissance music. Joaquin Desires brought to the table polyphonic imitations Inch are still used today in chorus. Today Deserter’s work that happened centuries ago are still the influence for some artist today.