Nowadays, mystery compositions are regarded by many people as ordinary relaxing melodies that are associated with the Middle Ages. However, in the past, when the laws of church were followed strictly, mysteries were important performances concerning some central Biblical stories.
Today performers rarely sing a cappella, but mysteries were usually performed in this way. The mystery under consideration is not accompanied by instrumental music. Initially, the mysteries were performed during fairies, where many people could see them. The purpose of the mystery was not to entertain but to reveal certain stories, teach certain values. So, there was no need for music. The folk’s attention was drawn completely to the story and singing.
Of course, it is quite difficult to imagine what could medieval people feel when listening to the mysteries, but it is possible to assume that they felt that God’s grace is a possible future for their souls. There are two choirs: female and male group of performers. This peculiarity makes the piece similar to works of the famous composer Palestrina who also created compositions for two (or sometimes three) groups of singers.
The voices create a beautiful polyphony, which was a norm for the Middle Ages. This texture produces a fascinating effect of solemnity. This texture makes a mystery similar to the church chants, which are also very solemn. There are two more similarities. In the first place, the composition under consideration is performed n Latin, and in the Middle Ages, all the services were in Latin as well. Latin was the language of all monks. Secondly, mysteries also represented various sacred stories, usually taken from the Holy Writ. Admittedly, both genres bear a certain sacred burden.
Of course, at present, the vast majority of people do not perceive such composition as something sacred. The slow tempo of the piece and the peculiar rhythm create a relaxing atmosphere. Despite the absence of habitual instrumental accompaniment, contemporary listeners also appreciate the composition. One of the characteristic features of the mystery compositions is the change of pitches. The present composition also uses different pitches.
Interestingly, at the beginning of the composition male voices are the background for female voices, but in the middle of the pieces, the performers change their roles. It is necessary to mention the meter of the present composition, which serves to create the same effect. It is the effect of harmony in the world. These mysteries have always helped people have rest from vain secular life and think about some spiritual perfection.